Foundation set up in memory of kind Liam, 11, who died in his sleep provides Father Christmas with presents for all 630 pupils in his former school

By Izzy, 10, Jill Dando News, Ashcombe Primary School

A Foundation set up to carry on the fundraising of kind Liam Shepherd, 11, who died in his sleep, has provided Father Christmas with presents for all 630 pupils in his former school.

All pupils at Ashcombe primary School in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset received a gift from Father Christmas – all donated by The Liam Shepherd Foundation.

Hero Liam was a member of Weston FC Academy, https://www.westonsmareafc.co.uk/academy/ Weston RFC https://www.westonrugby.co.uk and pupil of Ashcombe Primary School https://www.ashcombeprimary.com before sadly passing away in March this year.

This week the charity set up in his name has helped to bring a smile to the families of 630 children as well as the wider community.

All the pupils at his former school had a surprise visit from Father Christmas, along with his elves and Benny the horse. 

Father Christmas gave them all individual presents – to their delight and cheer.

Headteacher John Clark said “The children were absolutely over the moon to see Father Christmas and his elves and horse.

“Liam was a kind and thoughtful pupil in our school and he will never be forgotten.”

Liam, from Weston, was a keen sportsman and a part of many clubs that have since organised fundraisers and memorials for their former member.

His mum, Kimberley, help to set up the Liam Shepherd Foundation. 

She even received a letter from manager, Pep Guardiola expressing his condolences for her loss.

Kind and brilliant Liam was also honoured by thousands and Pep Guardiola

at a charity football match in honour of Liam at The Optima Stadium, the excellent home of Weston-super-Mare FC in Somerset.

Liam was an exceptional young person. The kind pupil had run a marathon in a week for the NSPCC and was a keen fundraiser for Winston’s Wish, which supports grieving children and their families. 

He also donated food out of his own money for vulnerable people and made cakes for the NHS, police and his teachers.

In the letter to Liam’s mum Kimberley and his family and friends, Pep Guardiola said: “My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time, as I know how hard it is to lose a family member.”

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