TRIBUTES have been paid to a Year 10 pupil who passed away tragically. 

The Appleton School has paid tribute to Sam Curry with a message from headteacher, Karen Kerridge, on the school's website. 

Since his death, more than £5,000 has been raised in his memory by family and friends through a fundraising page. 

Sam was described as "well-known" with many "outgoing friends" and a keen basketball player. 

In a statement from his family on the fundraising page, he was described as "wonderful, funny, kind and loveable". 

Echo:

  • The school in Croft Rd, South Benfleet

His family also thanked the community for donations and their kind words. 

The statement said: "Sam's mum would like to say thank you for all the flowers, the donations and the messages.

"Nothing can ever prepare you for this, but your kindess has brought comfort.

"She would like all of his friends to attend the funeral (we realise you cannot all be inside) but she would like the carpark lined, or the road outside with all of his friends clapping.

"This is her wish.

"We will give out details at a later date.

"We would also like to say thank you to Lee for setting this up.

Echo:

"The funds will help towards giving Sam the much deserved best send off that we can and also go towards a bench for his friends, somewhere to sit to remember."

A memorial event took place on Sunday with hundreds in attendance, balloons were released and memories shared. 

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/sam-curry-fund