On Tuesday 22nd November, students and staff at Stour Valley Community School celebrated and remembered the life of Haydn Restarick. Haydn was a Year 11 student who died during this year’s summer holidays due to an undiagnosed brain tumour, and Tuesday 22nd November 2022 would have been Haydn’s 16th birthday. The school community came together at the suggestion of his friends, to hold Purple Day which will become an annual non-unform day to raise funds for the ward which looked after Haydn at Addenbrookes Hospital.

The afternoon saw a dedicated celebration event for Haydn’s year group which was started by the playing of AC/DC, Haydn’s favourite group. His keen interest in the armed forces was reflected by members of the Royal British Legion and serving army personnel from Rocks Barracks in Woodbridge leading a procession of the school community into the hall. The celebration of Haydn’s life was conducted by Reverend Paul Graham with him making reference to Haydn’s enjoyment of strategy games, Dungeons and Dragons and his sense of fun. Shared memories included times from primary school, reflections from Haydn’s teachers and special moments recalled by his friendship group.

Mr Stephens, Teacher said “students put together an event to celebrate the life of their friend and it has been a special time to work with them to make this into a reality. I could not be more proud of their mature approach to honouring Haydn”

Miss Bank, Deputy Headteacher said “in one way or another, our whole community has been affected by Haydn’s death. Purple Day has brought everyone together and allowed us to pay tribute to Haydn and the positive impact he has had on so many lives.”

We are pleased to announce that yesterday’s collection raised an amazing £880 which we are donating to Haydn's page - https://haydn.muchloved.com/