School pays tribute to 'bright and bubbly' Rupert, 6
He was a “bright and bubbly little boy” who “never lost his sparkle” - that’s how friends and teachers at six-year-old Rupert Beckett’s school will remember him after his death.
Rupert, from Stottesdon, near Bridgnorth, fought neuroblastoma – which he called his “crocodile” – for three years, but took a turn for the worse and died at home surrounded by family last week.
The Rupert’s Revenge campaign garnered support from across the county, with events including a community performance of Les Miserables which saw saw some of the West End’s biggest talents descend on the town.
On hearing the news of his death, people from Bridgnorth and further afield have shared their condolences for Rupert’s family and their memories of his short life.
Among those is Jackie Hampson, headteacher at Castlefields Primary School, who said: “Rupert Beckett, a year two pupil at Castlefields, died in the early hours of Thursday morning after a long battle with neuroblastoma.
“Rupert was a determined, bright and bubbly little boy who had bags of energy and lived life to the full whenever he could. It was his determination that helped him through many of the sessions of treatment that he had to endure. Despite his treatment he never lost his sparkle.
“We are so very proud to have been the school that Rupert attended, and we are all so very pleased that we were Rupert’s friends.”
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A statement on the campaign’s Facebook page said: “Following the sad news of Rupert’s death, Rupert’s family would like to express once again their enormous gratitude for the overwhelming support of all those generous people who gave of their time and money to raise such a substantial sum as £250,000 for the Rupert’s Revenge Trust.
The Rupert’s Revenge Trust was set up to assure donors that should funds not be required by Rupert that they are held and distributed transparently to charities which have in their objectives research and treatment of child cancer.
“Two independent trustees, Robert Andrews of Andrews Ritson, Solicitors, and John Williamson, farmer of Middleton Scriven, plus Rupert’s mother, Sarah, will oversee the investment funds and their distribution.”
Scores of messages were posted on social media, both from people who knew Rupert in person and from those who came across him while being treated themselves.
Jeremy Secomb, West End soloist who performed at the West End & Bridgnorth Sings for Rupert show at St Leonard’s Church, tweeted “sending love to the family and community. Such sad news.” While Christoper Key, associate director of Les Mis, added: “So sad to hear the news about Rupert and am sending much love to his family. He showed bravery that I can’t imagine and his loss will be felt throughout the community.”
He was recently given clearance for travel from his home near Bridgnorth to Barcelona with parents Ed and Sarah for specialist treatment. But before the trip could go ahead, he took a turn for the worse. His family revealed he died in early hours of Thursday last week.
Lauren Fishman, who is also fighting cancer said: “He was the life and soul on the ward and his little face will never be forgotten by me or any of the children on the ward.
“I shall never forget him walking past my room on my bad day and trying to catch my attention. Sleep tight Rupert you little soldier.”
Rupert’s parents were raising money to get him specialist chemo immunotherapy treatment, which is not available on the NHS.
They were aiming to collect £750,000 for a trip to America, but recently found similar treatment would be available in Barcelona.
He visited Barcelona for various tests in December and his mother sharded pictures on a blog before he returned home to spend Christmas with his family.
Sam Wiggins said: “Rupert was such an amazing little boy, and his mum was such an inspiration to me. I met them both at Bristol Children’s Hospital back in May, when my son was just at the beginning of his journey. I have been following Rupert’s progress ever since, desperately hoping that he would beat his crocodile. Sending love to you all. Rest in peace Rupert, you made a big impression on so many people in your short life.”
Amanda Pritchard added: “So very sad to read this news. Your little one has inspired this town, it has come together for his special cause, peoples’ hearts have been touched by your little boy and Bridgnorth has changed.”
More than £250,000 had been raised through various events in Bridgnorth since last February, when fundraising began.
