Emotional tributes to NI schoolgirl (16) who died after leukaemia battle: ‘Her kindness will always be treasured'

Belfast Telegraph

6 days ago

Monday's monthly meeting at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council began in poignant fashion, with Councillor Joy Ferguson paying a heartfelt – and at times emotional – tribute to Sarah Eakin, the 16-year-old Dromore HS student who tragically died at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children on June 7.
Sarah, late of Ballymoney Road, Banbridge, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
She was the much loved daughter of Geoff and Joanne, sister of James and granddaughter of Winnie, Iris, Jim and the late Nat.
Ms Ferguson stated at the start of the meeting: 'Thank you Lord Mayor, for allowing me to mark the passing of 16-year-old Sarah Eakin after her brave battle with leukaemia.
'Sarah passed away this month and left a lasting legacy in her short 16 years.
'Sarah was a treasured pupil at Dromore High School. She loved her studies and spending time with her school friends and family.
'She was a keen member of the netball team, an accomplished show jumper, and in her spare time loved having fun with her German Shepherd dog called Holly.
'One of her highlights was making the Dromore High School formal with her friends, and enjoying a great night despite her illness.
'Sarah faced her illness with incredible bravery, courage and maturity, always thinking of others, particularly her parents, writing a card for her dad for Father's Day, and a note for her mum telling her to continue to be the best mum ever.
'Her kindness, her zest for life, her sense of adventure, her thoughts for others will always be treasured and remembered.
'My condolences to her parents, Geoff, Joanne and her brother James and the wider family, as they process the loss and remember her legacy.
'I thank you, Lord Mayor, for your letter of condolence on behalf of the council, marking the life of someone so special and so brave in our community.'
Lord Mayor Stephen Moutray thanked the Banbridge representative for her moving tribute, stating: 'Thank you, Cllr Ferguson. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult days that lie ahead.'
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At the time of her death, Dromore High School had described her as 'bubbly, fun-loving' and 'incredibly brave'.
The school described Sarah as a sporty and fun-loving young woman.
They said Sarah was a dedicated student who was eager to learn.
'Sarah was diagnosed with leukaemia in Year 11 and missed most of her studies that year.
"Keen to keep up with her classwork, Sarah observed some of her lessons remotely via a special robot camera supplied by the Children's Cancer Unit Charity.
'She underwent treatment and received a positive prognosis in the summer of 2024, enabling her to return to school in September 2024. Once back at school for Year 12, Sarah made it her mission to catch up on missed studies, taking extra lessons with staff who willingly gave their time after school hours.'
Her attitude throughout this school year was always positive, and her approach to her illness was never to make a fuss or seek special treatment.
The school said Sarah enjoyed spending time with her friends.
'Sarah clearly enjoyed being part of the Dromore High family again. Despite her illness, she endeavoured to attend the school formal in March, where she enjoyed a night with her closest friends – who we know will miss her dearly.
'Her attitude throughout this school year was always positive, and her approach to her illness was never to make a fuss or seek special treatment. Observing Sarah at school, one would not have realised she had been unwell.'