Latest news with #MayfieldSchool
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Once you met Jack you couldn't forget him' - Tributes paid to Cumbrian teen
TRIBUTES have been paid to a West Cumbrian teen who shone a light into the lives of everyone he met. Jack Ellis, 17, faced a lifetime of challenges, starting at three weeks old when he overcame meningitis for the first time. Later he learned to walk again and to write left-handed after losing his mobility and the dexterity in his right hand. But a medical episode last month proved too much and Jack died peacefully on May 22 after a stroke. Jack Ellis 'shone a light into the lives of everyone he met' (Image: Submitted) Jack grew up in Workington with foster carers Gavin and Susan Beach and their daughter Laura, who he called his mum, dad and sister. Over the years he had many hospital stays due to illnesses and surgery, living with physical and learning disabilities. He fought back at every turn, surprising those around him with his learning ability and impressive memory. Jack never forgot a name or face and if he spotted someone he knew while out and about he could be sure to greet them loudly, using their full name, then chat for as long as he could before they had to leave. A fan of games shows and music, Jack loved to perform to an audience. Gavin said: 'Jack shone a light into the lives of everyone he met. 'He had an insatiable thirst for meeting people and finding out about them, and for telling jokes. 'Once you met Jack you couldn't forget him.' Susan added: 'They broke the mould when they made Jack.' Jack Ellis, 17, faced a lifetime of challenges but fought back at every turn (Image: Submitted) Birth dad Martin Goth recalled how Jack would sing songs during video calls and play along on the guitar he received at Christmas. He added: 'A call with Jack would just lift me up and make me smile.' Jack attended Victoria Infant and Junior schools before moving to Mayfield School in Whitehaven, and enjoyed outreach activities and short breaks with West House. In summer 2023 he moved to Underley Garden School in Kirkby Lonsdale to develop his independence skills as he moved towards adulthood. Stephen Chambers, who worked with Jack in his role as assistant head at Mayfield School, recalled the youngster being 'full of energy and relentless spirit'. He said: 'He enriched my life in the time I knew him and I know many others will say the same. 'In the short time he was here, Jack showered the world with joy, laughter and love and will never be forgotten.' Among those who spent time with Jack in hospital were his birth mum Stacey Ellis and sister Jodie, who expressed their love for him. Jack's funeral will be held at Distington crematorium on Thursday, June 12 at 1.15pm. Donations can be made via Hobans Funeral Services to hydrocephalus charity Shine and the Great North Air Ambulance.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Proud families cheer on Jubilee Challenge teams
Family and friends said they felt proud of their loved ones as they watched them cross the finish line of the Jubilee Challenge on Saturday. Organisers said the Jubilee Challenge, part of the Ten Tors weekend, was designed for young people with a range of physical, neurological or educational needs to take on four different routes across Dartmoor. Participants who took on the walk ranging between 7.5m (12km) and 15m (24km) were met by family, friends and supporters at the finish line. Mum Kirsty Hudson said it was her 13-year-old son Ben's first time taking on the one-day challenge, adding the family were "proud" of him. "Our son has special needs and goes to a special school and life has been quite challenging for him because he has found academic work quite hard," she said. "Something like this, it just gives the children the opportunity to be really successful. "We wanted to cheer on everyone who came through because we know things can be a bit harder for them compared to everyone else." Army Headquarters South West, which organises the event, said the Jubilee-Plus Challenge, launched last year, was aimed at young adults with special educational needs and disabilities who were capable of an overnight stay, but may find the entire Ten Tors challenge "inaccessible". She said it was also Ben's first time camping with his team who were representing Orchard Manor School in Dawlish. Representing Mayfield School and College in Torquay, Matty Hooper, said his team, along with his dad Mike Hooper, walked eight miles. Matty said he felt "very proud" for completing the challenge. Mr Hooper said: "I'm not feeling too bad, a little achy but it was good, we enjoyed it." "We did about five to six weeks of training." Matty, who completed the challenge in 2024, said the biggest challenge this year was avoiding water on the walk due to the "slippery stones". However this had not put him off and he said they will be back again next year. Organisers said about 400 people entered the Jubilee Challenge each year. By 17:00, the final participants had crossed the line. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Teams set off to tackle 'immensely tough' Ten Tors Ten Tors: Rules, routes and safety measures Ten Tors
BBC News
10-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Proud families cheer on Jubilee Challenge teams
Family and friends said they felt proud of their loved ones as they watched them cross the finish line of the Jubilee Challenge on said the Jubilee Challenge, part of the Ten Tors weekend, was designed for young people with a range of physical, neurological or educational needs to take on four different routes across who took on the walk ranging between 7.5m (12km) and 15m (24km) were met by family, friends and supporters at the finish Kirsty Hudson said it was her 13-year-old son Ben's first time taking on the one-day challenge, adding the family were "proud" of him. "Our son has special needs and goes to a special school and life has been quite challenging for him because he has found academic work quite hard," she said. "Something like this, it just gives the children the opportunity to be really successful. "We wanted to cheer on everyone who came through because we know things can be a bit harder for them compared to everyone else."Army Headquarters South West, which organises the event, said the Jubilee-Plus Challenge, launched last year, was aimed at young adults with special educational needs and disabilities who were capable of an overnight stay, but may find the entire Ten Tors challenge "inaccessible".She said it was also Ben's first time camping with his team who were representing Orchard Manor School in Dawlish. Representing Mayfield School and College in Torquay, Matty Hooper, said his team, along with his dad Mike Hooper, walked eight said he felt "very proud" for completing the Hooper said: "I'm not feeling too bad, a little achy but it was good, we enjoyed it.""We did about five to six weeks of training."Matty, who completed the challenge in 2024, said the biggest challenge this year was avoiding water on the walk due to the "slippery stones". However this had not put him off and he said they will be back again next year. Organisers said about 400 people entered the Jubilee Challenge each 17:00, the final participants had crossed the line.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Students explore Whitehaven's history through 'Street Life' project
Mayfield School students have been delving into Whitehaven's history as part of the 'Street Life' project. The initiative, in collaboration with the Beacon Museum, allowed the KS4 students to explore the historical influences behind the town's street names. Under the guidance of Alan Gillon, the Beacon's learning and exhibition engagement manager, the students researched how historical events, industrial growth, and cultural shifts shaped the names of Whitehaven's streets. The project offered a practical, visual approach to learning about the town's past. By examining artefacts, historical sites, and industrial landmarks, the students gained a deeper understanding of Whitehaven's evolution. This hands-on experience sparked discussions and a 'greater appreciation' for the town's history, while also providing the students with work experience as they took on the role of tour guides. Through research and public speaking, they presented their findings, with the goal of building confidence and improving their social interaction skills. The project also included a creative element, where the students produced pop art representations of images from Whitehaven's past using felt tips and newspapers. The students also collaborated on constructing a 3D model of Whitehaven Harbour, recreating artefacts from the town's industrial history. These artefacts were arranged within a timeline, highlighting the harbour's role in the region's economy through its import and export activities. The project finished with an exhibition at the Beacon, where the community had the opportunity to view the students' work. In addition to exploring local history, students developed work experience by taking on the role of tour guides (Image: Supplied) Mr Gillon said: "The Street Life project has been invaluable for the KS4 pupils' development. "I am so proud of what they have all achieved over the past three months. "Working in partnership with Mayfield School and Lynn Kelly has demonstrated the strengths of community engagement. "The exhibition which the pupils have created is fantastic and their individual development as tour guides has been overwhelming. "This has been a brilliant and rewarding journey for everyone involved." Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council's executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: "It's wonderful to see the students of Mayfield School working alongside the Beacon Museum to explore Whitehaven's rich heritage in such a creative and hands-on way. "The students have not only deepened their understanding of Whitehaven's rich history but also gained practical skills that will serve them well in the future. "I commend everyone involved in making the Street Life project such a success."
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
School to close for repairs after Storm Éowyn damages roof
Two schools will be closed tomorrow (January 27) after damage from Storm Éowyn. St Benedict's Catholic High School in Whitehaven said the building, which is also home to Mayfield School, sustained damage to its roof and has to be inspected before it can be deemed safe for students and staff to return. This inspection is 'likely to take place' tomorrow, a spokesperson from the school said. Subscribe to the News & Star today and get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device. READ NEXT: 'Huge recovery operation' underway on Cumbria's railway after Storm Éowyn They added that parents should use EduLink for further details and that updates will be issued as and when new information is available. A spokesperson from Mayfield School said: "Please check Class Dojo and email for further information. "Our Cockermouth site will remain open as normal."
