Classmates shock after pupil's death

10:00am Tuesday 1st May 2007

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CLASSMATES and teachers at John Hampden School have been left in shock after a young pupil died of meningitis last week.

Eleven-year-old Harris Mills, known as "Harry", fell ill on Wednesday after taking part in a football match for his school the day before.

The Year Seven pupil, who joined the school in Marlow Hill in September 2006, died during the night on Thursday at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital.

Fellow classmates were told of their friend's death during a special assembly on Friday and a letter was sent home to parents informing them along with advice leaflets about meningitis.

The headteacher at John Hampden, Stephen Nokes, paid tribute to a "wonderful student".

He said: "Harry was a wonderful student, he was always very positive and lively and he wanted to be involved in everything.

"He was very keen on sports, but was a strong academic student as well. He was very popular and loved being at the school."

Mr Nokes also said that a memorial will be put up at some time in the near future to pay tribute to the pupil.

Harry, who lived in Institute Road, Marlow, was a huge sports fan and enjoyed playing both football and rugby.

Before joining John Hampden, Harry attended Spinfield Primary School in Terrington Hill, Marlow.

He leaves behind mum Judi, dad Richard as well as an elder brother, and two older sisters.

As well as taking part in school sports he was also a member of the Holy Trinity Juniors Football Club in Marlow, which he joined in January.

His team, HT Inter, cancelled its league match on Saturday as a mark of respect for its former team-mate, and other sides held a minute's silence.

A tribute left on the under 12s website recalled how Harry scored on his debut for the team and also managed to net 13 goals in just six games. He was also praised for his skills at scoring a number of hat-tricks for the club.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) was called in following Harry's death to make sure anyone who came in close contact with him receives the appropriate medication to try and prevent the disease from spreading.

Teresa Cash, spokesman for HPA said: "The HPA has identified close contacts of the child and given appropriate antibiotic treatment where needed following discussions with the family, hospital and the school where the child attended."

Miss Cash also went on to say none of the students needed any treatment at the school.

A spokesman for Buckinghamshire County Council said: "This is a health-led issue and we are confident that the Health Protection Agency have dealt with the situation."

His funeral takes place on Thursday at All Saints' Church, in The Causeway, Marlow.