MP opens a garden of remembrance to honour brave Zac

Pupils and staff from Garswood Primary School, St Helens were joined by Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North for the unveiling of a garden of remembrance in memory of pupil Zac Barston a Year 6 pupil passed away earlier this year.

The garden, created by Cool Canvas, is an outdoor space where the children can go to reflect, read or just have some quiet time – complete with a large wooden sculpture of a sloth, Zac’s favourite mammal.

Zac’s parents, Donna and Jeff Barston were also present on the day which saw the pupils from the nursery and reception classes hold a sponsored ‘Wild Rumpus’ which was based on the popular children’s book ‘Where The Wild Things Are.

Earlier in June, Year 6 pupils completed a sponsored swim as a tribute to their classmate, Zac, a keen swimmer who even continued to swim throughout his illness, glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive type of brain tumour.

Headteacher, Pam Potter, said: “We are determined to raise the profile of glioblastoma multiforme, for which research is very limited.

“To do this, we are committed to hold an annual event at the school to contribute towards the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Network, a charity that is very close to our hearts”.

Chair of Governors, Councillor Sue Murphy, said: “It was a privilege to help open this beautiful garden that acts as a wonderful tribute to such a special, inspirational child who will always be part of the Garswood family”.