Narration Script

In 2001, a man declared his love for his girlfriend by decorating a bridge with graffiti that stated ‘Clare Middleton I love you, will you marry me?’ On Jason and Clare’s one year anniversary, he took her out on a date to The Roxy Disco which is now the O2. His proposal was then revealed, scrawled on the bridge on Park Hill. Her response was a welcoming ‘yes’.

Unfortunately, barely three months later, Clare broke off the engagement as social services suggested that Jason wasn’t fit enough to be a father to her children.

In 2011, a company called ‘Urban Splash’ renovated some of the flats and decided to use and replicate Jason’s proposal to promote their investment. It became an icon; “I love you will you marry me?” could be found written in the same style on sale posters, cushions in the flats themselves, a new brand of beer and Even glass office doors.

‘Urban Splash’ then added neon lights over the text, showing the message to the whole city as a brightly lit, seemingly romantic message. However, for Clare’s family they are reminded everyday that she sadly passed away at the age of 30.

As for Jason, he unfortunately became homeless. Understandably, he asked ‘Urban Splash’ for a flat, considering his work was hugely successful for promoting them. Sadly, this was not provided to him. Instead, a now broken and desperate Jason was offered some of their brand of beer, this was also quickly withdrawn, because their ‘sales office had run out’. Afterwards, he was awkwardly wished ‘good luck’ and sent on his way, empty handed and still homeless.

What initially started as a romantic and admirable story, became a truly tragic and grim tale in the heart of Sheffield.

Written by Meg Masters