FAMILY, friends and schoolmates of a North-East student who died suddenly earlier this year have created a memorial garden at her school.

Eight-year-old Amelia Davies, a pupil at Polam Hall School, in Darlington, became ill in August 2020, and was eventually diagnosed with a neuroblastoma on her left adrenal gland – a rare form of aggressive childhood cancer.

It was discovered that cancerous cells had spread to her bone marrow, and chemotherapy seemed to be working until she took a turn for the worse in January.

 The youngster had attended Polam Hall since starting in reception at the age of four, and was popular with teachers and schoolmates alike.

After her death, the school decided to dedicate an area of the playground to her memory, with pupils and family helping to make it special.

Her grandfather, Gordon Hill, made a buddy bench, and her grandmother, Heather Hill, made a birdhouse. Michael Smith, the grandfather of Amelia’s friend, Angel Grace Smith, created a wishing well, with the materials being donated by Jewsons, Darlington.

Amelia’s Year 4 classmates painted the surrounding fencing and made decorations from recycled plastic bags. There is also a small book shed and a story chair.

Her Year 4 teacher, Katie Johnson, said: “While Amelia was ill, the staff and children sent her get well cards and Christmas cards, and, after she died, they made a memory book for her parents.

“Amelia loved school and took an active part in all the classes. It was the students’ idea to name the area the Wishing Garden, and they’ve all contributed to it. It’s a place where they can go to sit and just chill, or read a book.”

Mum, Rhiannon, and dad, Danny Hill, were at the opening of the garden in celebration of Amelia’s life. Rhiannon, who is planning to take part in a sponsored run, next May, to raise funds for Children’s Cancer North, and Ward 14 at the RVI in Newcastle where Amelia was treated, said: “The kids at the school have been amazing. They stayed in contact with Amelia throughout her illness.

“Although we don’t have a donation site, we would really encourage people to make donations to Children’s Cancer North, and Ward 14.”