Corby schools pay tribute to their former pupils Jessica and Mikey as appeal for bereaved families tops £40,000

Bereavement support will be offered in several Corby schools today after the tragic deaths of two local teens during half term.

Jessica Hayes,15, and Mikey Connelly, 13, were killed during a horrifying parasailing accident in Rhodes last Wednesday. James Connelly, 15, remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital with his parents Phil and Sharon by his bedside. His parents hope further extensive medical tests this lunchtime will help doctors understand more about his current condition.

A fundraiser set up by members of the extended family has raised an incredible £42,000 in three days to help the Connelly and Hayes families with any costs they may have.Today, Oakley Vale Primary Academy, Corby Business Academy and Kingswood Secondary Academy will have emotional support available via bereavement specialists for pupils who have been affected by the tragedy.

The boys went to Kingswood school and Jessica attended Corby Business Academy before switching to Uppingham Community College where she was a Year 11 student when she died.

A statement from Oakley Vale Primary, where all three children attended as youngsters, said: "It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that the tragic incident that took place in Greece this week involved former students from Oakley Vale Primary School. Jessica Hayes and Michael Connelly sadly passed away.

"Jessica was an incredibly hardworking girl who tried her best in everything she did. In particular, she was very creative and had a real passion for art. We will remember her as the kind and caring young person that made her the popular young person that she was.

"Mikey was a very positive, kind, thoughtful and cheerful young man who lit up our classrooms. Like Jessica, he was very creative and really shone at drama. He also put everything into his work and tried his very best.

"We understand that James Connelly, Mikey’s older brother, remains in a critical condition in hospital and we truly hope for the best possible outcome for him.

"Our thoughts, sympathies and best wishes are with the families and friends affected across the Corby area, as well as the school communities directly involved. The family remains closely connected to our school, so we are aware that many people will know or remember them well and this will be very upsetting news."

A letter to parents from Corby Business Academy headteacher Simon Underwood said: "Our thoughts are obviously with the families and friends affected across the Corby area, as well as the school communities directly involved.

"We are also aware that Jessica maintained her friendships at Corby Business Academy. This will be upsetting news for our community and we will be offering many avenues of support.

"Jessica was an older sister and an incredibly hard working girl, who tried her best in everything she did. In particular she was very creative and had a real passion for art."

Michelle Newman, Principal at Kingswood Secondary Academy, said: “We are all incredibly saddened by this tragic incident and the passing of one of our much-loved pupils, Michael Connelly, and his cousin Jessica.

"Mikey was a wonderful pupil, a friend to us all, and a fantastically positive member of our school community.

"They will be dearly missed by all who knew them, and our thoughts are with Mikey and Jessica’s families, including Mikey’s brother James, and friends at this difficult time.

“This has shocked our whole school community and we are providing ongoing support to our pupils and staff as we try to come to terms with such a terrible loss.”

Any youngsters needing extra emotional support can text the Northants school nurses team's ChatHealth service on 07507 329 6000.