Celebration and fun day in memory of '˜fantastic' Jack

School friends of 10-year-old Jack Johnstone are to join a fun day in honour of the 'fantastic young man'.
Jack Johnstone with parents Kevin and Tina and sister IzzieJack Johnstone with parents Kevin and Tina and sister Izzie
Jack Johnstone with parents Kevin and Tina and sister Izzie

Staff and children at Farington Primary School in Leyland are planning “Jack’s day of fun and celebration”, in memory of the courageous youngster who died following a battle with cystic fibrosis.

The special event on March 23 will include some of Jack’s favourite games, and the unveiling of a memorial in the grounds of the school.

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Headteacher Joanne Ramsbottom said: “We wanted to do something in celebration of Jack’s life and in memory of him - something permanent within school.

Jack JohnstoneJack Johnstone
Jack Johnstone

“We decided we would have Jack’s day of fun and celebration to celebrate his life, and we are going to use it to fundraise for Derian House.

“Then we are going to show people the memorial we are having to him in school - it’s going to be a surprise.

“During the day we’ve got all sorts going on. The children will come in non-uniform in jeans and T-shirts with either Minecraft, Lego or purple, the cystic fibrosis colour.

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“We are going to have a cake stall and the school council is organising a bring and buy sale so children can donate something they no longer play with.

Jack JohnstoneJack Johnstone
Jack Johnstone

“We’ve had wristbands made which say ‘Keep calm and mine on’ for Minecraft.

“At 2pm, we are having a parents cafe so parents can come in to have a cup of tea and a cake to raise money, and also see the memorial for Jack.”

Jack joined the school in reception and his sister Izzie still attends the school.

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Miss Ramsbottom said: “It’s just very important for the children and the school to acknowledge what a fantastic young man he was, and it also supports the family.

“He is very much still part of our school.”

Jack’s dad Kevin described the school’s tribute as “absolutely lovely”.

He said: “He was so popular at school, not just with his peers but also with teachers.

“Especially that they are doing a permanent memorial to him, it’s just so lovely.”

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Kevin said the school had been “really, really kind” to the family during Jack’s illness and since he died in December.

He will be at the fun day along with wife Tina and daughter Izzie, and said: “Jack would think it’s absolutely brilliant.”

His family is in the process of setting up a charity, the Jack K Johnstone Foundation, in memory of the youngster.

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