Memorial tree planted in remembrance of Lower Darwen schoolboy

Lucas Starkey died in July and his family and class set off balloons with flowers, seeds and messages for Lucas at the time in tribute.

Lower Darwen Primary School has created a remembrance area in memory of Lucas, where the tree will be lit at the start and end of each school day.

Lucas Starkey memorial tree (Image: NQ staff)

Mrs Caroline Dyrda, Behaviour, Inclusion, Learning and Support manager, wrote: “You may have noticed outside the school office that we have created a remembrance area in memory of our pupil Lucas Starkey who very sadly passed away suddenly in July this year.

“The tree, which will be lit at the start and end of each school day, will be decorated throughout the year, to match the seasons and Lucas’s star will remain at the top.

“Please feel free to take the time to stop and reflect and think of your loved ones.

“Also a big thank you to the wider community – Not all superheroes wear capes.

“Please can we ask that you view the garden from outside the fencing.”

Mrs Dyrda also thanked everyone involved in creating the memorial garden for their help and generosity, as without them “it would not have been possible.”

Howarth Timber, Elliot Hollings, Mark Greenhalgh and his family helped with wood and other materials, electrics and fencing joinery work. She thanked Tanya of Symclean Industrial Ltd and Lads United for their donations.

Ryan and Katherine Holmes (Kokoro Trees) for tree planting, Harry Barker of Barkers Supplies Ltd and G and C Knowles Garden Maintenance for the groundwork.

Mr Cumbo, Mrs Eccles, Mrs McDonald and Mr Skinner were thanked for their ideas and support as well as thanking Mrs Dixon for being a ‘wing woman’.

People shared their thoughts in the comments of the school’s Facebook post describing the garden as “a beautiful tribute to Lucas.”

One person said: “I stopped with my granddaughter on leaving school this evening and read the plaque, what a beautiful gesture to his family and friends.”