The family of Lauren Mead joined Frome College staff in paying tribute to her, a year after her sudden death, on Tuesday 13th October.
Frome College report, “They donated a lovely wooden bench and plaque for students to be able to meet with friends and enjoy their outside space.
“Lauren passed away a year ago of sudden arrhythmia death syndrome at home peacefully in her sleep. Her family have been working tirelessly to ensure that her memory will live on in a strong and positive way, both charity fundraising and donating the memorials to the schools she attended, including Hayesdown First School and Selwood Academy.
“Lauren’s brother, Patrick, who is currently in Year 13 at Frome College, chose the area for the bench in the Sixth Form garden as a lasting tribute to his loving sister in the knowledge that Lauren was very happy at Frome College and would have loved to sit there with friends herself.
“This generous gift from the family is an example of how they responded to the tragedy of losing Lauren, with generosity, positivity, and a genuine desire to ensure some good comes from her passing.
“To mark the anniversary, Dr Sadowski, who was Lauren’s head of Sixth Form, spoke about his memories of her and read this poem which he wrote:
Lauren’s Bench
A place to sit and think and ponder,
To look and gaze and watch in wonder.
As lives are lived and friendships grow,
To rest and feel the warm sun’s glow.
Here because Lauren is no longer,
The loss we feel was never stronger.
Ripped away a year ago,
The tides of grief, ebb, and flow.
With love we have and hold each other,
Mother, father, friends, and brother.
A rose blooms in our hearts forever,
A bench to bring young souls together.
“Lauren’s father, Adrian gave thanks to the college and to Dr Sadowski for his support with Patrick throughout the last year, and wished him luck with his new career, as he was inspired to follow his dream by Lauren’s passing. Floral tributes were laid on the bench and the BBC film crew who have been following the family over the last year attended as part of a documentary into the medical condition Lauren had.
“The family and Frome College will continue to support and fundraise for SADS UK and Nyota Ing’arayo (shining star) Trust in her memory.
Pictured above: Richard Hood, head of sixth form, Dr Josef Sadowski, former head of sixth form, principal Emma Reynolds, with Lauren’s family
