Schools' silent tribute to brave Matthew

Matthew Hollick, a former pupil of St Peter and St Paul school, died of Non - Hodgkin's Lymphoma, after spending over a month receiving treatment in hospital.

Pupils at Bexhill High School, St Richard's Catholic College and his old primary school all held special assemblies this week to remember their friend.

The Observer understands St Peter and St Paul school will close for staff and students to attend Matthew's funeral.

The number of separate services reflected not only the fact that many of the 11-year-old's friends have moved on to different secondary schools, but the number of lives he touched.

His parents, Helen and Steve, offered a moving tribute this week to their, "loving and lively son."

Matthew also leaves a 13-year-old brother, Tom.

Helen said: "He was so strong and very brave about everything. He went through a hell of a lot in a short space of time."

Matthew was diagnosed at the beginning of August, just weeks before he was due to start secondary school.

Despite weeks of chemotherapy he died last Monday in a specialist hospital in London.

"It was very hard to come home at first because we had been in hospital on and off since he was diagnosed," said Steve, surrounded by a mountain of sympathy cards and flowers in the family at Crowmere Avenue.

"He didn't want to be alone and we made sure he never was."

During his ordeal Matthew remained the bright and positive boy who was popular with family and friends.

Steve said: "He was so strong and very brave about everything. When his hair began to fall out he said, 'I'll keep that and give it to granddad because he hasn't got any' - that's just what he was like."

The couple recalled how Matthew "often got himself into trouble but always managed to get himself out of it too!"

Helen said: "We cannot believe how many cards we have had and how much support we have been given. It makes you realise Matthew must have touched a lot of lives."

Doctors in London were initially hopeful that a full recovery could be made from the illness, but a long course of treatment would be required.

Steve said: "It's just one of those things unfortunately. His symptoms at first were pretty non - specific.

"The doctors were pretty confident and just fantastic with us - they involved you so things weren't as scary as they could have been."

Matthew was a member of Hastings and Bexhill Rugby club, and an enthusiastic Scout, having just moved up from the local Beaver group.

He also attended the Children's Fund activity groups at the High School and recently drove the 'Green Goblin' go-kart built by youngsters in the club over several months.

Children's Fund Co-ordinator Gill Hamilton praised Matthew and his attitude to life.

"He was just a lovely boy," she said. "And the family are wonderful as well and always helped out. It's just very upsetting."

Matthew's funeral takes place at St Peter's Church, Old Town, on Monday at 2.15pm..

Those who knew him are welcome to attend.

Donations can be made through Mummery Funeral Directors, Sidley, to the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign - Children's Unit, London, were Matthew had much of his treatment.