In January, 2022, Ullswater Community College student Lucy Bland tragically died after suffering from leukaemia. Her family and friends wanted there to be a space at school for students to use as a place of reflection, and last Thursday the Penrith school officially opened a memorial area, with a bench and tree, in memory of her.
Lucy’s form group selected an area in school to situate the memorial and contacted local businesses to help put plans in place, including Metcalfe’s Plant Hire to remove tree stumps and Travis Perkins, who donated materials for the patio area. The students worked tremendously hard to prepare the area and lay the slabs on which the bench and a tree sit.
The school hosted various charity events – including a fun run and a dodgeball competition – all of which contributed to the purchase of the bench and overall cost of the project. A plant pot was donated by the Pot Place, Plumpton, and Larch Cottage Nurseries, Melinthorpe, gave a silver birch tree.
Head of year Greg Key guided students through the process and supervised the various donations. He said: “The whole process has been a truly enriching experience for Lucy’s friends; they have had the opportunity to create a beautiful space in school, fitting for the memory of a wonderful young lady, who we all dearly miss. From the digging up of roots to the varnishing of the bench, the students have been there every step of the way — including Lucy’s younger brother Sam.
“On 16th November, which would have been Lucy’s 15th birthday, UCC held a grand opening of the memorial area. I am so proud of all the students involved who demonstrated what a special community we have here at UCC.
“On the day of the opening, it was incredible to see a large number of students and teachers coming together to celebrate Lucy’s life. Sue and Matt, Lucy’s parents, were invited to attend, and Sam had the honour of cutting the ribbon.
“Thank you to all of the local businesses that supported the school throughout the whole process. Lucy’s family and friends are incredibly grateful for your generosity.”
