Memorial bench placed at school of St Albans suicide victim

The Herts Advertiser has teamed up with the OLLIE foundation for our 'Something to Talk About...' campaign (Image: Archant)

Morgan Falconer, a pupil at Sandringham School, was 15 when he died after taking his own life, much to the shock of his family and friends.

Those close to Morgan have recently funded a bench to be placed at the school in his memory.

Morgan’s father, Stuart Falconer, said: “After Morgan died we weren’t entirely sure how we could preserve his memory. We eventually decided on a bench as it would serve as a reminder to others that he lived and that he mattered.

“Morgan was an important part of people’s lives and that shouldn’t be forgotten, emphasised by how many of his friends attended. Some lovely words were spoken by his friend Alex on the day, reiterating what Morgan meant to him.

“The bench was funded by donations from family and friends and for that I am truly grateful. Special thanks goes to the school for supporting this and for supported The OLLIE [One Life Lost Is Enough] Foundation.”

Alan Gray, headteacher at Sandringham School, added: “The bench will provide a lasting memory of Morgan and provide a place of reflection for students and staff at the school.”

Stuart Falconer recently set up the OLLIE foundation, which aims to provide specialist training in schools to help staff identify people at risk.

The Herts Advertiser has been working with the charity as part of their ‘Something to Talk About’ campaign, which aims to open up a dialogue on the subject of suicide.

The charity has set an initial fundraising target of £30,000 to help fund three specialist ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) to offer training in St Albans schools.

If you would like to find out more about OLLIE, or help the charity reach its £30,000 fundraising target click here.