A Place to Remember Lewis

The parents and children of Wybunbury Delves Primary School would like to raise money to create a play area to remember their friend, Lewis Crossley.Lewis, from Hough in Cheshire, was just five years old when, in October 2015, he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The initial prognosis was positive, and despite the gruelling regime of chemotherapy and treatments he endured, Lewis was determined to make the most of every moment he could, doing the things that he loved best – football, Star Wars, Nerf Guns, and playing with his friends. When his treatment meant lengthy hospital stays and long periods away from his classmates, they kept in touch through skype and video calls, and sending letters.  

Tragically, after completing his treatment and returning to school, Lewis, his family and friends were given the devastating news that he had relapsed, and that a second wave of treatment, including a stem cell transplant would be needed.

Throughout his continuing treatment, Lewis remained brave and determined, and he captured the hearts of everyone who met him. When learning that his transplant had been unsuccessful, he made a list of things he would like to do with the time he had left. One of these was to be a mascot for his beloved Stoke City FC, which he did in August 2017, leading the team out on to the pitch with his hero and favourite player, Jack Butland. Another was to have a tree house, which he designed himself, and treasured to the last.

Lewis died on 3rd November 2017, leaving a huge hole in the hearts and lives of his mum, dad, little sister Emily and all the people who loved him. The school head teacher remembers the energy, light and noise that always surrounded Lewis, as he bounded through life. His friends simply say that they miss him.

Lewis loved to be outside, and when asked what they thought would be the most fitting tribute to Lewis, his schoolmates were unanimous that an outdoor adventure play piece would be the very best thing. As one his friends said, “When we are playing outside, it’s when we most remember him, and it’s like he’ll be there with us.”

The cost of the play area is between £6000 and £8000. The children have already taken part in many fundraising activities, including a Christmas jumper day, cake sales, and sponsored silences. In June there will be a fundraising sponsored fun run, on what would have been Lewis’s 8th birthday.

If there are any contributions that you can make to support us in creating a place to remember our friend, we will be forever grateful.

MAY UPDATE
Wow! We are overwhelmed by the generosity we have received from our school and local community businesses. Our total is now nearly £10,000.
We have been investigating quotes with play equipment companies. Year 3 have been involved in the decision making as to which they would like as their memorial to Lewis. PlayQuest, has quoted us a great deal on a wooden corner fort which incorporates slides, climbing and scramble nets — it will allow for imaginative play and is different to the adventure trail we have already. It also mirrors Lewis's love of his tree house. It is a much larger structure than we were initially imagining and therefore it is more expensive than we originally planned. We are almost there at our new target and with the fundraising events planned — The Red Lion charity night; The 8 for 8 Fun Run and the staff skydive — will help us meet the target! So we have taken the plunge and placed the order!
FORT LEWIS will be installed over half term and will be opened on our Fun Run afternoon. This will allow us to enjoy it over the summer months! 
A huge thank you for all your support!