‘Keep his memory alive’: Lennix Sutcliffe’s family unite with school community for special tribute

The parents of Lennix Sutcliffe have thanked the Dilton Marsh community for their support since their son’s death, during a visit to his former school. The couple also donated books bought with funds from a recent fundraiser in his memory.

Lennix died after being hit by a car while playing near his home in Woodland View on Saturday 13th April 2024. Fundraisers have been held in memory of the ‘happy-go-lucky’ eight-year-old, who loved to read, ride his bike and play Pokémon.

On the morning of 28th February, Lennix’s loved ones made an emotional visit to Dilton Marsh CofE Primary School to donate 14 bags of new books, bought using funds raised at a recent event.

Mum Jackie said, “It’s been nice to see a lot of Lennix’s friends we haven’t seen in a long time and to give them something they’re going to be able to use throughout their school journey.

“Over the last year, the community’s support has been amazing. We can’t thank people enough for everything they’ve done in Lennix’s memory. We really do appreciate it.”

Lennix’s father, Chris, was full of gratitude for everyone who made the donation possible. He said, “A lot of children are going to benefit from the books.”

On 28th February, Lennix’s friends looked through the books and said they were ‘really excited’ to read them. A photograph of Lennix in his school uniform was displayed by the group alongside a wooden cross and a Charizard toy—an orange, dragon-like creature that was Lennix’s favourite Pokémon character.

The book donation was made possible by a fundraiser at the Dilton Marsh Social Club in November, which featured a night of live music in Lennix’s memory. The event was organised by Keely Bosson and Dan Hillman, with full support from the family.

Keely said, “I spoke to Jackie and Chris, Lennix’s parents, and Nigel, Lennix’s grandfather, to see if they would be happy for me to organise the event alongside Dan and the Dilton Social Club. We then discussed where the money raised could go. Because Lennix loved to read, we decided to donate books to the school in his memory. It was about keeping his memory alive.”

Bands Ben & Tim, The 102s and Brakelight performed late into the night at the fundraiser on 30th November. A total of £1,100 was raised through a raffle—with prizes donated by local businesses—and a bucket collection carried out by Stephen Smith on the night.

Jerry Wills, treasurer of Dilton Marsh Social Club, said it was a privilege to host the event. “There are three cornerstones to any village,” he said. “The school, because that’s early life; the church, because that’s typically the start and end of life; then everything in between is the village social club. It’s where people gather as a community. Being able to help these guys and do this for Lennix—it’s what we are there for.”

After the fundraiser, Jayne Bosson, bar steward at the Dilton Marsh Social Club, went to Waterstones in Trowbridge, where a staff member called Nicole helped secure a ‘huge’ discount. This meant Jayne was able to purchase all the books requested by Lennix’s school—and more.

The donation came at the perfect time, explained Dilton Marsh CofE Primary School headteacher, Jude Clements.

She said, “Our library was recently refurbished, and we were desperately in need of some books. So this donation is really welcome. It’s a real positive legacy for Lennix.”

Monday 13th April, will mark a year since Lennix’s death. His friends at Dilton Marsh CofE Primary School have come up with their own fundraising idea to pay tribute to the ‘bubbly’ eight-year-old.

Jude added, “The children came to me and said, ‘We’d like to do an event—a sponsored Griddy.’ It was Lennix’s favourite dance from the game Fortnite. We’ll have a day where everyone will be sponsored to dance the Griddy and remember lovely memories of Lennix. The money raised will go towards new playground equipment, which was another idea that came directly from the children.

“Jackie and Chris love the legacy of joy Lennix epitomised when he was here. It’s a really hard landscape for everybody to navigate and, as a school, it’s about supporting everybody in their different journeys.”

In another example of the Dilton Marsh community coming together for Lennix, £2,300 was raised last summer for Wiltshire Air Ambulance at a fundraising event held at The View. Live music, children’s activities and a funfair encouraged people to donate. Organiser Cherise Cobb also secured sponsorship for a special firework display as part of the fundraiser.

As 13th April approaches, Lennix’s family hopes people will hold him in their memory and perhaps donate to a good cause as part of his legacy.

“We’ve got buckets at Dilton Marsh Social Club for a cancer charity,” Jackie added. “If anyone wants to, they are more than welcome to visit the club and donate to another really good cause.”

On his message to the community, Chris added, “Keep supporting the people who need it. The support we’ve had has meant a lot. Thank you, everybody.”

Pictured: Lennix’s loved ones on their visit to Dilton Marsh School. Inset: Lennix