‘Happy face’ of Daniel, 8, is always remembered in memorial garden
SCHOOL RAISED £6,000 TO HONOUR PUPIL WHO DIED FROM LEUKAEMIA
A MEMORIAL garden for an eightyear-old former pupil who died in 2021 has been opened at a Derbyshire primary school.
Pupils and staff raised more than £6,000 to create a garden in memory of Daniel Rigley, who was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was three.
The garden was opened as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for St Thomas’ Catholic Academy in Ilkeston.
The eco-garden at the school in Church View also received funding from East Midlands Airport and was opened by the Bishop of Nottingham, Patrick McKinney as pupils, staff and parents gathered to take part, along with former staff and two ex-head teachers.
The opening of the garden was followed by Mass, speeches and a special performance from pupils at the school.
Pupils spoke about their memories of Daniel. Brooke said: “Although his life was short, he loved it. No matter what was happening, Daniel’s happy face kept everyone smiling. I remember when he had been off for ages, when he came back all the pupils in year six were smiling.
Another pupil, Willow, said: “Daniel was a lovely lad. I remember when Daniel and Ayden would have a competition to see how many students and teachers we could run over in his wheelchair. “Daniel was always smiling and his smile is forever in our souls.” Headteacher Michael Sellors said: “Although we had a lot of rain on the day of the blessing of Daniel’s Garden, when the time arrived for the opening by Bishop Patrick we were blessed with sunshine. It was a very emotional occasion for his family, his friends and the staff who knew Daniel.
“This beautiful garden stands as a lovely memorial to Daniel – a much missed and loved pupil.”
And deputy head Andy Gotheridge added: “It was a beautiful and fitting occasion to remember and celebrate Daniel and reflect on his time with us at school.
“We were privileged to be able to share this moment with his parents. This garden will serve as a poignant reminder of a fantastic pupil for many years to come.”
“Daniel was always smiling and his smile is forever in our souls.”
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