DOZENS of floral tributes have been laid at a Dorset school after the sad passing of teenager Shaun Colvin.
The 13-year-old, who lived with a brain tumour (tectal glioma) for a number of years, sadly passed away on April 7.
Shaun was a popular pupil at Lytchett Minster School, where his mum, Alison, is also deputy head of Wealden House.
Since news of his passing was announced, pupils, parents and staff members have been paying tribute to the popular youngster, leaving flowers outside the entrance to Manor House, on the school grounds.
“The school is mourning the loss of one of its most kind, gentle and courageous students,” a school spokesperson said.
“The hundreds of heartfelt comments from staff, students and parents on the school’s Facebook page are a poignant testimony to the impact that Shaun Colvin’s passing has had on the school and wider local community.
“He will be fondly remembered by his classmates, those staff who worked closely with him and those who just knew him to say hello to, as he made his way cheerily around the school.”
They also paid tribute to Alison and the Colvin family “at this sad time”.
“Alison is one of the most loving, caring members of staff; she oversees our Shoe Box Appeal, the Christmas Hamper programme, and also helps organise the Sandwalk,” they went on.
“She always looks out for others.
“We wish Alison and her family all the comfort in the world, knowing full well, sadly, that this cannot take away the immense pain they are feeling right now.”
As well as the floral tributes, a book of condolences opened at the school will be presented to Shaun’s family next week.
Students or parents who would like to add their own messages can email them to office@lytchett.org.uk, or, if they prefer to handwrite them, hand them in at the school reception.
“This has been a difficult week for the school,” the spokesperson said. “The death of a child is a tragic event. It goes against the natural order of things.
“We have done all we can to support our students as they come to terms with losing a classmate.
“Some students will have seen their teachers crying as they have talked about Shaun and the sadness they feel at his passing.
“We felt it was important that staff be open with students about how they feel.
“If there is any meaningful lesson to be learned from the death of this sweet 13-year-old child, it is to recognise just how precious and fragile life is.”
READ MORE: Tributes paid to Shaun Colvin, who has passed away aged just 13
They added: “Shaun was committed to raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity, undertaking sponsored swims and triathlons.
“He wanted to travel the world. His absolute dream was to take part in a school trip.
“A week before the Easter holiday, Shaun took part in the Year 9 trip to the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Italy.
“On his return, on March 30, he told his mum it was the highlight of his life.”
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