Bench to remember Bishop Auckland school boys
A MEMORIAL bench has been placed at the entrance of a Bishop Auckland school as a lasting tribute to two ex-pupils who died recently. JULY 1 EDITION
Robert and Michael Winterbone from Ferryhill are fondly remembered at King James I Academy, with teachers who knew them describing them as inspirational.
The brothers both suffered from a muscle wasting condition called Muscular Dystrophy and were among the first students to attend the school’s learning support unit.
Michael died this January aged 23 and Robert died in 2009 aged 29.
Since Michael’s death, Learning Support Assistants Ann Downing and Eileen Barlow have led a staff fundraising drive to raise money for a memorial bench.
And after numerous tombolas, raffles and cake stalls, their efforts paid off and a new bench surrounded by flowers is now in place.
Speaking at the bench dedication ceremony, Ms Downing said: “I worked with Michael and I got to know Robert after Michael left and I visited him.
“They were amazing boys that had very different personalities to each other. During their short lives they were blessed with fantastic parents and a sister who did everything possible to ensure they had happy and fulfilling lives.”
Robert and Michael’s parents Leslie and Yvonne Winterbone said their sons would have been honoured to have a memorial at the school.
Mrs Winterbone said: “I would like to thank you all so much for remembering them.”
Mr Winterbone added: “A day never went past that they didn’t want to go to school. They loved it from the very first day.”