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Tributes to brave student Will
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| SOMEONE EXTREMELY SPECIAL: Will Mackaness |
THE head boy of a Weymouth school has lost his battle against a brain tumour.
Wey Valley School pupils and staff will turn out in force tomorrow to pay tribute to Year 11
student Will Mackaness, 16, who died at home just 30 minutes after receiving his GCSE results.
His mum Pam Govier, a teacher at the Weymouth school, said Will had wanted to know how he did.
"He was very determined to hang on and find out, which was very much like his character," she said.
Will achieved an A, two Bs, three Cs and a distinction for Btech sport, which he took after his brain tumour returned in February.
He was first diagnosed with the tumour in 2005, following two operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and returned to school full-time in
Year 10.
In July 2007, Will was elected as head boy by his teachers and classmates.
A keen sports player, he won a Commitment To Sports award in year 11 and played both the violin and piano and took part in the school production of Les Miserables.
Will also gave up his Tuesday nights to help at the A Star youth club, a group for autistic children.
Pam, 47, said Will wanted to be a PE teacher and had already decided what A-levels to do and planned where he would go to university.
Pam said Will's illness changed her outlook on life and that together they grasped every opportunity as mother and son.
"We made the most of the time we had. We had marvellous summers at the beach with Will on his surfboard and us just having fun and him smiling and swimming out to the raft.
"He was such an easy-going boy and he never felt sorry for himself but was always concerned and caring towards others - he was worried about how I would cope when he was having his first operation. I was so proud that he was able to make the prom in June, despite him having terrible double vision.
"He was determined to celebrate finishing school with his year group and took two girls to the prom.
"He did the complete cycle - he got to the prom and he didn't think he would make it there.
"I miss him so much, but what gives me strength is the time we had together," she said.
Pam said Will's funeral - to be held tomorrow at St Aldhelm's Church in Spa Road at 11.30am - will be a celebration of his life.
Anyone who knew Will is welcome to attend, she said.
Wey Valley headteacher Phil Thomas said Will's openness, respect for others, total friend-liness and sense of humour always shone through.
He added: "The applause from the year group when Will stepped forward at our leavers' ceremony demonstrated how highly he was loved and valued - and that only comes from someone extremely special.
"Will was a fantastic young man who has had a great impact on us during his short life and, in almost 30 years' teaching, rarely have I had the privilege to work with such an outstanding individual."
Jamie Frampton, 16, Will's best friend since they were eight, remembers holidays in Croyde, Devon with him.
He said: "Will was fun and would make me laugh. I thought I would see him get better. He knew me better than anyone else."
Jamie, who plays football for Weymouth, said: "Will would come and support me at all my games."
If you would like to leave a tribute to Will, please use our comments section . . .
9:43am Thursday 28th August 2008
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CommentPosted by: kate, weymouth on 1:24pm Thu 28 Aug 08
i shall always remember williams lovely smile and happy ways. i only ever saw him grumpy when he lost a point in a tennis match . but then a smile soon came back on his face.will you will be greatly missed by all . your memories will always stay with us because you were such a great lad . RIP.XX
i shall always remember williams lovely smile and happy ways. i only ever saw him grumpy when he lost a point in a tennis match . but then a smile soon came back on his face.will you will be greatly missed by all . your memories will always stay with us because you were such a great lad . RIP.XX
Posted by: micknor, Weymouth on 3:46pm Thu 28 Aug 08
Hi
Although I didn't know Will, or indeed know his family, I feel moved after reading the deaths column yesterday and the Front page today, to send my sincere condlences to Wills Parents, Family and indeed Friends. Such a sad loss. Such a waste of a young life.
My heart goes out to you all. In Deepest Sympathy
Mick Norrington
Hi
Although I didn't know Will, or indeed know his family, I feel moved after reading the deaths column yesterday and the Front page today, to send my sincere condlences to Wills Parents, Family and indeed Friends. Such a sad loss. Such a waste of a young life.
My heart goes out to you all. In Deepest Sympathy
Mick Norrington
Posted by: sally-ann, Weymouth on 4:45pm Thu 28 Aug 08
William, we have known you since you were old enough to walk, playing at the chalet with Mathew. No words can express our sadness that you were not able to beat this evil disease. U will always be remembered in so many ways. Rest in Peace William. Sally-Ann, Marcia, Mathew & Stephen
William, we have known you since you were old enough to walk, playing at the chalet with Mathew. No words can express our sadness that you were not able to beat this evil disease. U will always be remembered in so many ways. Rest in Peace William. Sally-Ann, Marcia, Mathew & Stephen
Posted by: Dawn C, Weymouth on 8:46pm Thu 28 Aug 08
Both my sons knew Will and always said how happy he was with everyone and anything he did. Such a sad loss and our thoughts go out to his mum at this sad time. Thinking of you all tomorrow (Fri).
Both my sons knew Will and always said how happy he was with everyone and anything he did. Such a sad loss and our thoughts go out to his mum at this sad time. Thinking of you all tomorrow (Fri).
Posted by: timstott, Cornwall on 8:54pm Thu 28 Aug 08
Our thoughts are with Pam, Will's friends and teachers. I was very sad to hear today that Will had died. I left Wey Valley July 07 and remember Will as a popular, brave and very charismatic young man. Unfortunatley I will not be able to make the service, but my thoughts will be with Pam and all his friends.
Deepest sympathy, Tim Stott and family.
Our thoughts are with Pam, Will's friends and teachers. I was very sad to hear today that Will had died. I left Wey Valley July 07 and remember Will as a popular, brave and very charismatic young man. Unfortunatley I will not be able to make the service, but my thoughts will be with Pam and all his friends.
Deepest sympathy, Tim Stott and family.
Posted by: dixonracing, weymouth on 9:30pm Thu 28 Aug 08
I have known will ever since i went to wey valley. He was a great lad and would never do anything to hurt another person. He was great at everything he did and i will always remember the times me and him played basketball. I will remember will for the great friend he was to everybody. R.I.P will you are loved by everyone :(
I have known will ever since i went to wey valley. He was a great lad and would never do anything to hurt another person. He was great at everything he did and i will always remember the times me and him played basketball. I will remember will for the great friend he was to everybody. R.I.P will you are loved by everyone :(
Posted by: Bomber, Country on 11:18pm Thu 28 Aug 08
I never knew Will but have been brought to tears by reading this. RIP dear friend x
I never knew Will but have been brought to tears by reading this. RIP dear friend x
Posted by: Catriona, Weymouth on 11:25pm Thu 28 Aug 08
I did not know Will, but Pam taught me when i was at Wey Valley. Pam you are in thought during this very sad time, Jack and myself will light a candle for Will in out local church, in his memory. Cat
I did not know Will, but Pam taught me when i was at Wey Valley. Pam you are in thought during this very sad time, Jack and myself will light a candle for Will in out local church, in his memory. Cat
Posted by: kmatt, Weymouth on 9:00am Fri 29 Aug 08
Although not knowing Will Pams beautiful words have really struck me with great emotions, deepest sympathy to all Wills Friends & Family xx
Although not knowing Will Pams beautiful words have really struck me with great emotions, deepest sympathy to all Wills Friends & Family xx
Posted by: becci, weymouth on 6:19pm Fri 29 Aug 08
Well.. Such An Amazing Boy Missed Like Mad! Today Really Shows How Much You Really Are Loved By The Amount Of People That Came To Pay Their Respects Hun Will Miss You Always.. Your Mum Is Soo proud Of You ! We All Our! "People Walk In + Out Our Lives But Friends Stay In Our Hearts Forever" We Will Never Forget You Will Neither Your Huge Smile That COuld Lighten Up Anyones day! Will Miss Your Enormouse Grin :) Love Always Becci xxx[bold]bold[/bold]
Well.. Such An Amazing Boy Missed Like Mad! Today Really Shows How Much You Really Are Loved By The Amount Of People That Came To Pay Their Respects Hun Will Miss You Always.. Your Mum Is Soo proud Of You ! We All Our! "People Walk In + Out Our Lives But Friends Stay In Our Hearts Forever" We Will Never Forget You Will Neither Your Huge Smile That COuld Lighten Up Anyones day! Will Miss Your Enormouse Grin :) Love Always Becci xxx
Posted by: calanwarren, Weymouth on 10:59am Sat 30 Aug 08
I only knew will five years but i found myself carrying him into the church yesterday, on every occasion we met i'd think "It's a pleasure to know that man" See you soon Will hope theres an oasis cafe up there! Calan x
I only knew will five years but i found myself carrying him into the church yesterday, on every occasion we met i'd think "It's a pleasure to know that man" See you soon Will hope theres an oasis cafe up there! Calan x
Posted by: janie1, weymouth Dorset UK on 12:57pm Sat 30 Aug 08
Pam, I am so sorry for your sad loss. William was a credit to you and all the values and qualities you taught him.He was a star and so are you, amazing x take care of yourself x (sorry these few words are just not enouh but my thoughts are with you)Jane Titheridge x
Pam, I am so sorry for your sad loss. William was a credit to you and all the values and qualities you taught him.He was a star and so are you, amazing x take care of yourself x (sorry these few words are just not enouh but my thoughts are with you)Jane Titheridge x
Posted by: Nathanwalmsley, birmingham on 9:33pm Mon 1 Sep 08
sleep tight my friend. you were a great lad and a pleasure to play sports with. see you soon mate x
sleep tight my friend. you were a great lad and a pleasure to play sports with. see you soon mate x
Posted by: Nathanwalmsley, birmingham on 10:14pm Mon 1 Sep 08
Oh yeah and iv got a big game wednesday...gloucest
er! watch over me make sure i do good x
Oh yeah and iv got a big game wednesday...gloucest
er! watch over me make sure i do good x
Posted by: samwest, Weymouth, Dorset on 1:02pm Tue 2 Sep 08
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Will, but I, like many others was taught by Pam Govier at Wey Valley. Pam, I was so sorry to hear of your loss - my thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Will sounds like an incredible person and a real credit to you, long may his memory live on. With my deepest sympathy, Sammy Hall, (now Sam West). XXX
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Will, but I, like many others was taught by Pam Govier at Wey Valley. Pam, I was so sorry to hear of your loss - my thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Will sounds like an incredible person and a real credit to you, long may his memory live on. With my deepest sympathy, Sammy Hall, (now Sam West). XXX
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