Stowmarket: Tributes Paid To Student

18 January 2012, 10:44 | Updated: 18 January 2012, 11:14

Tributes are being paid to a teenage girl who collapsed and died during a PE lesson in Stowmarket.

Lily Webster, a year 11 pupil at Stowmarket High School, was taking part in a trampolining session at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre when she collapsed.

The ambulance service was called at 2.30pm Monday, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lily's family have paid tribute to their daughter: “Lily was a wonderful daughter and much-loved sister, niece, granddaughter, and friend to many.

“We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and the response of our local community.

“Her sudden loss is a terrible pain for us all to bear.  We would be very grateful if the general public would allow us some time to grieve privately.”

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: ''First and foremost, our thoughts are firmly with the girl's family at this tragic time. On arrival, the girl was found in a critical condition. Ambulance crews, the doctor and the critical care team from the air ambulance worked extensively to treat and stabilise the girl but following everyone's best efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.''

The leisure centre is operated by the SLM Community Leisure Charitable Trust on behalf of the owner Mid Suffolk District Council.

A spokeswoman for Mid Suffolk District Council said:  "Our thoughts and condolences at this very sad time are with Lily's family and friends.

We would like to extend our sympathy and support to all of the students and staff at Stowmarket High School and staff at the Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre - but particularly those who helped at the time of this tragedy.''

The spokeswoman added that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had been informed.

Tribute From Stowmarket High Headteacher Keith Penn