Ribbons in memory of Jon Paul
RIDGEWAY School has remembered the life of a former student by wearing ribbon badges in his memory.
Jon Paul Oxley, aged 21, had chronic cystic fibrosis and lost his battle on Thursday September 6, 2012 whilst on the waiting list for a double lung transplant.
In the wake of losing Jon Paul, staff and students felt they needed to do something positive to remember him by, and to help carry on his charity work.
The school community have been wearing blue and white ribbon badges in memory of the inspirational man, the colours of his beloved Sheffield Wednesday football club.
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Claire Davidson, from Ridgeway School's English Department, said: "He was courageous, funny and an absolute joy to know.
"We are a sea of blue and white. All the proceeds will go to the charities of his mother's choice."
Claire met Jon Paul for the first time in 2002.
"He was ten years old, and from the second I met him, he commanded the room with his wit and cracking sense of humour.
"The following academic year JP joined Ridgeway School and quickly established himself as a firm favourite amongst staff and students alike," she said.
Claire also remembered Jon Paul's fight and his determination is the face on his illness.
"JP was frequently off school with infections that ravaged his damaged lungs, and he was frequently hospitalised.
"However, staff knew him as the most positive and determined young man they'd ever met.
"JP never stopped fundraising for cystic fibrosis and won several awards for his bravery.
"He was also passionate about the campaign to encourage people to carry donor cards.
"He was called six times for a possible transplant, but a match was never found, and his short life ended prematurely."
Staff from Ridgeway School's English department will be taking part in the Autumn Trail Run on Sunday September 30 at 11am to raise further funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
To sponsor the team, visit www.justgiving.com/Claire-Davidson6.
Claire added: "JP was an inspirational young man who will be sadly missed by many students and staff, but we also feel a huge sense of gratitude that we had the privilege to know him. Once met, never forgotten."
Jon Paul's funeral will take place at St Mary's Church, Plympton, tomorrow at 12 noon.
His family have asked that everyone wears either a Sheffield Wednesday football shirt, Jon Paul's favourite team, or blue and white.
They have also asked for donations, rather than flowers, to be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic and the Honeyford Ward at Derriford Hospital.
Comments
by loucow
Thursday, September 20 2012, 11:23AM
“Being a former pupil of ridgeway school i can only echo what has been said, he was such a funny lovely young man who brought so much joy to many people, he fought so hard to make the most of his life and his courage and strenght was admirable to say the least. JPs memory will live on at ridgeway for many years to come, Welldone ridgeway for yet again showing how you put pride in your pupils battles, achievements and sad times, JP changed many at ridgeway i feel but i also feel ridgeway helped JP be the great guy he was. Rest in peace x”