Pictures: Plume Academy unveils memorial bench for Jessica Smith

Jessica Smith was 14 when she died on January 6, following a battle with a brain tumour.

Jessica was well known at the academy, whose loss was felt by many of her fellow students.

Her memorial bench was unveiled at the academy’s Fambridge Road campus on Thursday afternoon, with many of Jessica’s friends, Plume Academy staff and her mother Paula Smith.

Paula Smith cuts the orange ribbon on her daughter Jessica's memorial bench

In March this year, Head of Year 10 at Plume Dan Rose organised a huge memorial fundraiser in Jessica’s honour, with the help of many students.

It was to raise funds for CLIC Sargent, a charity dedicated to helping children with cancer.

So far, through various events organised by Paula and the academy, more than £7,000 has been raised in Jessica’s honour.

At the unveiling of the memorial bench on Thursday, Dan Rose said he and the rest of the Plume staff were overwhelming by the efforts of the pupils.

He said: “I’m sure Jess couldn’t have wished for a better way to start the academic year. The efforts you girls have put in during a difficult year has been remarkable.

“This bench will be here forever more, and it includes some fitting words that will inspire many students in years to come.

“This was a group effort. It is my greatest pleasure to officially open this bench to be used by all.

“The Plume family will never forget Jess, and neither will it forget the incredible work done by her friends in her memory.”

The bench was decorated in orange ribbons for the unveiling, in-keeping with the theme of Jessica’s funeral, memorials and fundraisers.

Paula Smith, Sarah Simkin of CLIC Sargent and Dan Rose with Plume pupils with a cheque tof the proceeds from their March fundraiser

The plaque on the bench read “Work hard but laugh harder. For Jessica and her friends, in loving memory of Jessica Smith, 28th April 2003 – 6th January 2018”.

Paul Smith said: “I saw the plaque a few weeks ago, and it was so beautiful and emotional I just broke down in tears.

“The whole school has been amazing the past few months, the support for the fundraising was wonderful.”

Representing CLIC Sargent, Sarah Simkin said: “Thank you everyone that did all the fundraising, the support for Jess and her family has been amazing from everyone.”

All of the pupils were presented with bookmarks with pictures of Jessica during her happiest times, to thank them for their work.