School opens garden in memory of five pupils

A special school for children with complex needs and life-limiting conditions has opened a memorial garden for former pupils who have passed away.

Penny Field School in Meanwood, Leeds, planted the garden as a tribute to five of its students who died over a six-month period.

The garden will be a space for its 68 students, aged two to 19, to enjoy.

David Durbin, whose son Harry attended the school prior to his death aged 12, said it was "a really nice place to just have a quiet moment".

The £20,000 garden has wheelchair-friendly walkways and a water feature.

It was paid for by fundraising and National Lottery grants.

Flowers also line the path running through the garden to create a sensory experience for pupils.

The school plans to place stones with the engraved names of those who passed away around the water feature.

Headteacher Hannah Duffey said: "The space is for our cherished pupils, staff and loved ones who are no longer with us, but whose memories remain."

Mr Durbin said his son Harry "loved his time" at the school, which he attended since the age of two.

"He would have really loved this garden, particularly the water feature," he added.

"He could have sat there for hours watching that."

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