Sami Ahmed memorial created at Dixons City Academy

Sami Ahmed, 15, of West Bowling, sadly died when he fell from a significant height at the Intermediate Gulley on Dow Crag, Cumbria, on July 10, 2022.

Sami was a Year 10 pupil at Dixons City Academy, off Manchester Road, at the time.

His sudden passing caused a great deal of shock among staff and pupils at the secondary school.

It has led to those at Dixons City Academy placing a bench and planting a tree in his name.

A tree has been planted in memory of Sami at Dixons City Academy (Image: UGC)

"This last year has been most difficult and daunting for the whole family," Sami's father Khalil Ahmed said.

"His sisters have struggled especially the youngest one who is seven. She misses playing with him and it has been hard to fill those gaps.

"We have struggled to carry on and exist but we must keep going to honour his memory.

"He was so joyous at school. The whole year group misses him.

"We have maintained a strong bond with his friends. Nobody expects to lose a friend at that age. 

"We all thought about doing something long-term for him so came to the decision to have a bench and plant in the school grounds.

"It was where he played football, next to the playground. It will be there forever."

Principal of Dixons City Academy at the time Michael Feely explains how Sami's passing affected the school.

Mr Feely feels it is important to remember the teenager as the example pupil he was.

A memorial bench sits in front of the tree (Image: UGC)

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, he said: "Sami was a really kind young man who was loved by all students and staff. It was tremendously sad to lose him last year.

"We wanted to have something where we could remember him and his legacy. He left such an impression at Dixons City Academy. 

"He was a brilliant example during his time with us of everything we stand for in terms of being kind and helping others.

"Having the bench and tree will allow current students and future generations to learn about Sami and understand everything he did and the brilliant young man that he was."

Khalil Ahmed and son Sami were the best of friends (Image: UGC)

Sami's form tutor of three years Vicky Speed was also keen to pay her tribute and outline how the sad news brought her class together.

"He was my cheeky chappy. He always had a big grin on his face," she said.

"It seemed completely unreal. Your form are like your children, your extended family. It felt like I lost one of my own children.

"The whole year group was devastated. Every student was affected by it.

"His classmates wanted to do something for him. They wanted a seat in the exam hall, as he would have been doing his GCSEs this year.

"They want a place for him at prom and wanted a long-term thing and that was what the bench represents."

The memorial is not the only thing Sami's family have helped create to continue his legacy.

A gofundme page in his name has raised over £30,000.

The family hope to build schools and football pitches in memory of Sami with the funds (Image: UGC)

The funds are going towards projects to aid orphaned victims of the war in Syria and those affected by the earthquake in Turkey.

Khalil said: "We need to make his dreams live on by giving others a lifeline and opportunities.

"We have been helping children in Turkey following the earthquake with housing, rebuilding schools, and football pitches.

"We have also donated his savings that we were going to use for his uni fees.

"Any money we give to our other children, we still give to him but it goes to charity.

"Our latest target is to get the football and play area completed so families and children can forget about the pain and trauma they’ve endured and learn to smile and have fun again.

"Any support from businesses and individuals to support this amazing cause will be greatly appreciated."

Another picture of the plans (Image: UGC)

Mr Feely added: "It is great what his family have done in setting up the charity to ensure his name lives on.

"His legacy will help many other children who are in massive need."

If you would like to contribute to the fundraising page, visit https://gofund.me/60763ba5