Tree planted in memory of popular Yate student

Fourteen-year-old Elliott died in May after collapsing while playing on a friend’s trampoline.

His family still do not know what caused his untimely death and are taking one day at a time as they come to terms with their loss.

His father Tim told the Gazette: "Wednesdays are not particularly brilliant because we lost him on a Wednesday.

"People give us hugs every week when we see them and the love and support we have received from everybody has been lovely."

Elliott, who was in Year 9 at Brimsham Green School in Yate, was rugby mad and lived to play for Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club. He wanted to become a professional player and helped his dad, the club’s first team manager, every weekend.

"Every week I have a wander around the pitch," said Mr Braybrooke, of Brockworth. "He was 6ft and had size 12 feet so he was born to play second row. He would come with me every Saturday to hand out water to the 1st team and I would go and watch him every Sunday and support him.

"Some days are easier than others but the family is just coping with every day.

"We cannot let it affect us too much, Elliott would not want that. He would want us to get on with things."

Elliott’s dad, his mum Jane and older brother Thomas joined staff and pupils at Brimsham Green School last Thursday to plant a cherry tree in memory of the schoolboy who ‘would have done anything for anyone’.

The tree was positioned at the front of the school, on Broad Lane, as a permanent memorial to Elliott.

Added Mr Braybrooke: "It is fantastic.

"The kids, parents and teachers at the school have been lovely and so supportive."

At first doctors thought Elliott, who suffered from epilepsy, may have died as a result of the rare Sudden Death Syndrome but a pathology report has not yet been completed.

Mr Braybrooke said he and his wife and son were due to be tested for any hereditary illnesses and meet with specialists to find out why Elliott died.