School pays tribute to 'kind and incredibly funny' boy, 15, after tragic death

The school of a 15-year-old boy who sadly died last week has remembered his kindness, love of adventure and his 'brilliant sense of humour'.

Ormiston Chadwick Academy has paid a touching tribute to a much-loved student, John Lamb. John, from Widnes, was renowned for his 'remarkable ability to lift the spirits of those around him, even in the most challenging of moments'.

Sadly, John lost his battle with a progressive illness on Monday, August 11. In a heart-wrenching announcement, a spokesperson for Ormiston Chadwick Academy said: "It is with deep regret that we must share the devastating news of the passing of one of our much-loved students, John Lamb, Year 11."

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The trirbute continued: "John passed away on Monday after a long illness, with his loving family by his side. John was a popular and well-liked member of our school community, he was kind and incredibly funny with a brilliant sense of humour. He was also a talented rock climber.

"The loss of a child is a pain that words cannot heal but we would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to all of John's family, during this unimaginable time of grief. John was, and always will be, an OCAer. We know that John's passing will be a particularly difficult time for both students and staff alike.

"We will therefore be providing pastoral support through drop in sessions with our school counsellor next week. Further details will follow on this."

John, a former member of the Widnes Wild Academy ice hockey team and a young leader at Mersey Weaver Scouts, was affectionately known as 'Chil', a nickname inspired by the kite bird from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Oliver Chambers, the district lead volunteer for Mersey Weaver Scouts, hailed the teenager's 'heroic and brave determination to enjoy life in the face of a progressive illness'. He said: "John was an outstanding Scout – passionate, committed, and always ready for adventure.

"His love of the outdoors, especially climbing, was infectious, and he continued to push himself, even during the early stages of his illness, to make the most of every opportunity. Whether scaling routes at North West Face in his free time or taking part in Scout activities, he brought enthusiasm, skill, and joy to everything he did.

"One of John's highlights was attending Gilwell Takeover, where he was excited not just to have visited the "home" of Scouting, but also to have had the opportunity to join a group of Scouts from all over the country, making many new friends (and trying many great activities) in the process.

"Anyone who met John will remember his wicked sense of humour, his quick wit, and his kind and caring nature. He had a remarkable ability to lift the spirits of those around him, even in the most challenging of moments.

"His leaders will fondly recall his thoughtful conversations and debates – on topics ranging from the practical to the fantastical – which often left them smiling and thinking in equal measure!". Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with John's mum Lilly, dad Ian, and brother Aidan, as well as his family and of course his friends and leaders.

"Thank you so much to the volunteers who have shown John and his family so much kindness and support the past few weeks and continue to do so. John will be dearly missed, but his legacy of kindness, humour, and a deep love of Scouts and adventure will live on in the lives of all those he met, joked and conversed with."

A representative from Widnes Wild Academy said: "John was a one of a kind person, caring, polite, funny and an extremely intelligent young man."

They added: "His clever humour and sharp mind were two defining qualities that made John special, and his death will create an enormous void in countless lives. His genuinely sincere character and affectionate spirit endeared him to everyone and serve as a wonderful reflection of both his upbringing and natural disposition.

"John participated in ice hockey with us for five years, he was a dedicated player who consistently gave his all and relished mastering the sport, adored by every teammate across all age categories. A couple of years ago John stopped playing ice hockey and found new love in climbing and canoeing being the active person he was but that didn't take him away from the hearts and minds he touched whilst with us.

"His passion for both climbing and canoeing was very strong and he took to them quickly giving lots of time to both the sports At this time our thoughts, prayers and love is with the Lamb family who we will do whatever we can to support in any way possible. No words can describe the pain you will be going through but know we are hear for you in any way you need us.

"We ask for the Lambs to be given time to grieve during this extremely tough time, but for our close family club to be on hand should any support be needed for this amazing family. John you will be dearly missed by all who knew you."