Art and fundraising in honour of teen killed by train in Wivelsfield

Jenny Kerr, 17, who went to Warden Park School with TJ Sibley, is selling wristbands bearing ‘RIP TJ SIBLEY ROCK AND ROLL FOREVER’ to raise money for BeatBullying.

She said: “Loads of people have come back to me, I’ve had 500 sent to me and 200 people want them already.

“I’m raising money for Beat Bullying, it’s a charity I want to raise money for because TJ was quite badly bullied. This is something I want to do in memory of him.”

The wristbands are available from Real Piercing Jewellery Shop in Burgess Hill.

TJ, 16, was pronounced dead at the scene when he was hit by a train at Wivelsfield railway station on July 31. Jenny was with TJ the day before he died.

“TJ seemed fine the day before, telling me about rock music which he always spoke about,” Jenny explained.

“That’s why it was such a horrid shock because it was so unexpected and I still look for him in town because I was so used to seeing him. He will be greatly missed.”

Jenny’s boyfriend, Simon Watkins, 20, drew a picture of TJ soon after he died.

Simon said: “I thought this would be a nice tribute to him, and for his parents.”

Though Simon went to Downlands Community School, he was friends with TJ.

“It was random how I met him, we both went to this cafe and he kept walking past me. He was next to me in the queue and then sat two tables away so I said come and sit with us, and we were friends ever since,” Simon said.

“I then realised he was friends with my girlfriend, so we could all spend time together, before the incident. We were even with him one day before it happened.”

Jenny said: “TJ was a lovely boy, friendly, funny and the most genuine person I’ve ever met.

“He was never afraid to be himself and that’s what I loved about him most. He will always be remembered for being the rock and roll loving lad and he will be greatly missed.”

Burgess Hill mayor Anne Jones said more needs to be done to prevent bullying.

“We need to start helping the person that’s wounded, bullying is insidious, victims ask the reason why?” she said.

“It’s almost like the victims feel it’s their fault.”

TJ’s funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Hurstpierpoint on Thursday August 21 at 2pm.

He was much loved by his mum, dad and family.

TJ’s family thank everyone for the lovely messages, love and kindness during this difficult time.

Flowers or donations are welcome at Scope and R A Brooks & Son, 01444 454391 or www.brooksfunerals.co.uk