Pupils at a Brentwood school have created a sanctuary of peace as a lasting tribute to a friend who died from meningitis.

Friends of Darren Brooks joined his mother for an emotional gathering at a new summer house tucked away in a quiet quadrangle at Brentwood County High School.

Darren, 15, of Harold Wood, was struck down by the killer disease in January...leaving a void in the lives of his family, fellow pupils and teaching staff.

Last Friday his mum Jane came to the Shenfield Common school to say a personal thank you for the memorial intended as a peaceful haven for pupils seeking a few minutes away from the stresses of school life.

She said: "They have done Darren proud - I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to all the children for what they have created and the money they have raised. It's a lovely way to remember our son.

"Darren and his brother, Stephen were very happy here but I hope this place will be a benefit to others who are maybe not settling in at school so well."

The original idea for the summer house project came from 14-year-old Amy Wager prior to Darren's death.

Head teacher Carol Mason handed it over to former head girl Emma Thornhill and deputy head girl Sarah Clark to develop the concept.

But when year 11 pupil Darren died suddenly, the decision was made that it should serve as a memorial to the popular boy who was known for his enormous smile.

The school received a jubilee grant and money from the Jack Petchey Fund. But students also raised money through collections and by raffling an England shirt worn by Michael Owen and a signed West Ham football.

Caretakers laid the concrete based for the wooden structure and after its erection by a company, pupils set about transforming it into Darren's place.

Darren's four closest friends painted the floor a welcoming blue and came up with the ideas for a unique painting done by sixth formers.

It features the things that Darren liked - including Neo from the film The Matrix, Bruce Lee and Solid Snake, a character in his favourite computer game Metal Gear Solid.

Many of the school's sixth formers helped with the work on the summer house and surrounding garden.

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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