Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Quiet area built in memory of Ben
Tuesday 15th July 2008, 11:32AM BST.
A quiet area has been built at a Wollaston school dedicated to the memory of a pupil who died after contracting a virus which caused his heart to stop.
Staff and pupils at St James’s C of E Primary School unveiled the tribute to 10-year-old Ben Atkins in a special ceremony.
The area has been fitted out with benches, a canopy and a plaque commemorating the youngster.
It has been designed as a place for pupils to go for peace and quiet or to remember Ben. The ceremony was attended by many of Ben’s friends who have now moved up to secondary school but wanted to be there to pay tribute to him.
Ben, of Gerald Road, died in his sleep hours after complaining he felt unwell. His mother Ann discovered he had died when she tried to wake him to go for a doctor’s appointment. A post mortem revealed he had suffered from a condition called lymphocytic myocarditis.
It was probably caused by contracting a viral infection which had led to an abnormal heart rhythm.
An annual chess tournament is also held at the school in honour of Ben, who helped start a club just shortly before his death.
Headteacher Ann Penn said: “The idea for the quiet area came from the children themselves and we thought it would be a wonderful tribute.”
Business Awards
Read the full story here
Full coverage of awards celebrating the region's best businesses.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
LIVE traffic updates
Road, rail and airport - latest
Our new, live traffic and travel updates service - check before you set out.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.