School unveils tribute to Erin

Pupils at Whitehead Primary School have raised money for new playground equipment in memory of a former classmate.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jul 2016, 14:11 BST
Updated 4th Jul 2016, 15:16 BST
Erins mum and dad, Susan and Karl, with her brothers Jack and Rhys. INCT 26-734-CONErins mum and dad, Susan and Karl, with her brothers Jack and Rhys. INCT 26-734-CON
Erins mum and dad, Susan and Karl, with her brothers Jack and Rhys. INCT 26-734-CON

A brand new wooden climbing frame was unveiled recently at the school in a tribute to Erin Bonar.

A primary one pupil at the school, Erin passed away suddenly in early 2015.

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Pupils raised over £3900 for the new equipment last year with the help of several local businesses. A further £5944 was gathered during the sponsored Rainbow Walk on May 27, during which pupils donned a variety of rainbow shades to reflect Erin’s love of bright colours.

The idea to raise funds in Erin’s memory came about following discussions with her family, according to Whitehead PS principal, Jim Loughins. Meanwhile, fellow pupils decided a climbing frame would be the most appropriate tribute. Commenting on a memory tree for Erin, one classmate wrote: “I loved Erin so much because she could climb higher than any of the boys.”

Expressing gratitude to those who donated money and took part in the Rainbow Walk, Erin’s mum Susan said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of our school and local community. The climbing frame is really fantastic and it’s lovely to see Erin’s friends playing on it so happily. It’s the perfect tribute to Erin, she would absolutely love it!”

Erin was also the inspiration behind the superhero theme for January’s New Year’s Day dip at Brown’s Bay, which raised £8400 for the NI Children’s Hospice.