Memorial is opened for pupil Caitlin

Memroial garden opened at Brighouse High School for Caitlin Thaxter.

Caitlin Thaxter died on her 16th birthday when she was a passenger in a car which left the road near Dunderave Castle, a few miles east of Inveraray, in October last year

Now, a new garden area has been created, based on the idea of Caitlin’s friends who wanted to create a lasting tribute to her and a place where students can go to sit and enjoy the flowers and sunshine.

Head teacher Liz Cresswell said: “We are extremely grateful to Marshalls Joinery and Building Contractors of Elland for all their support and in particular to Steven Greenwood, Dean Burke, Nigel Walmsley and Colin Moorhouse who were so passionate about the project and worked so hard on it.

“Materials were donated by Marshall Mono - thank you to Sarah Devine for this. The Memorial stone was provided by Rand & Asquith and other materials for the garden from Marshall Construction, West Yorkshire. Fundraising at the time of Caitlin’s death and kind donations from family and friends have also been put towards creating the special area.”

The garden has been created in an area of the school close to Caitlin’s form room and close to the special room which was set aside as a place of reflection to help support students when Caitlin died.

It was created as a result of the generosity of Marshalls’ builders who kindly donated materials and labour and transformed the ideas of the students into reality.

The garden has flowers and benches and a pebble theme which reflects Caitlin’s love of all things pink. There is even a statue of a smooth haired cat, which has special symbolism for Caitlin’s friends.

The memorial stone quotes the words of Caitlin’s favourite song: “ We got no troubles, life is the bubbles under the sea”.

The song, from the Little Mermaid film, was played at Caitlin’s funeral.

Mr Marriage, Caitlin’s form tutor, helped officialy open the garden last Friday, when a pink ribbon and a single balloon were released.

In future the area will be a social space for Year 11 pupils to use.

“We thought about making this a quiet space but I’m sure Caitlin would prefer to see people laughing and joking in her special place,” Mrs Cresswell said.