A tennis tournament was held to honour a 14-year-old who died earlier this year.
Students and staff at Davenant Foundation School, in Chester Road, Loughton, gathered for the informal session yesterday in memory of Harri Varda, who died in January.
Harri, a keen tennis player, had been ill for a short time following the discovery of an atherovenous malformation.
The event was attended by Harri’s mother, brothers and family friends and took place in warm sunshine.
Headteacher Chris Seward presented Harri’s mother, Caroline, with a book of memories before she presented the trophy to the winners.
Students then released 30 yellow balloons into the evening sky.
The school’s tennis courts have been re-named in memory of Harri.
Competition organiser Lorraine Brazier said: “This was an important occasion that meant so much to everyone who was present.”
A Just Giving page has been set up in his memory.
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