Pals remember James (From Croydon Guardian)

Pals remember James

10:59am Wednesday 27th November 2002 in

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Pupils of St Mary's Junior School paid tribute to James Haddad at a special remembrance service last week, and a permanent memorial garden for the nine-year-old who died from a rare brain tumour is planned at the Croydon school.

Robert and Sue Haddad attended the service on Tuesday, when all the staff and children including year two infants, celebrated James' life through a full Mass with candle lighting and his favourite hymns.

Only James' class Year 5 attended his funeral, so the service gave pupils and staff a chance to pay their respects.

Head teacher Anne Pendry, said: "It was really the school saying goodbye to James and celebrating his life."

All 340 children delivered personal messages for James. Single flowers were presented to the Haddads along with a book of prayers, before the school lined up in the playground and released 40 white balloons.

Sue Haddad said: "It was wonderful and we could tell the school had prepared for some time.

"We are just so amazed and grateful for all they have done. Right from the moment James was diagnosed, they have been so understanding and supportive."

After his initial radiotherapy James attended school for at least an hour a day, and even when confined to a wheelchair, he managed to visit his friends.

Ms Pendry added: "It has been difficult helping the children understand James' illness, but they ask very honest questions and have coped remarkably well."

As a memorial to James, a neglected pond and garden area in the grounds will be renovated. A seat will be built around a tree with a statue and plaque erected in his honour.

Ms Pendry said: "It will be a quiet area where the children can go and reflect, and it will also be useful

educational tool."

On Saturday, December 7, at 10am there will be a remembrance Mass at St. Mary's RC Church, Wellesley Road.