TRIBUTES have been paid to 16-year-old Eve Cockburn who died in September after being struck by a train near Greenfield.
In a touching statement, Saddleworth School headteacher Matthew Milburn praised the former pupil, who had been due to start at college after just completing her GCSEs.
He said: “It was so sad to hear of the tragic death of former pupil Eve Cockburn at the beginning of this academic year.
“Everyone at Saddleworth was shaken by the news that such a creative and adventurous youngster was no longer with us.
“Eve was a hardworking, conscientious pupil who was caring and sensitive.
“Before she joined Saddleworth, whilst at Friezland, she wrote the following poem which has been reproduced and is on display in school:
Life is a Poem by Eve Cockburn, aged 9
Life is a rollercoaster with ups and downs
Life is a movie with smiles and frowns
Life is a flower lovely and sweet
Life is a drum with a musical beat
Or maybe life is a bouncy ball
And even though it’s only small
It’s always reaching for the sky
Like the people on Earth who always aim high.
Mr Milburn added: “It was profoundly humbling to have been present at Eve’s funeral and to see so many former Saddleworth pupils sharing support and condolences with Eve’s incredibly loving family.
“Her parents have asked that anyone who wishes to mark the moment can make a donation in memory of Eve to ‘Young Minds’, a charity that helps children and adolescents with mental health issues.”
An inquest into Eve’s death was opened on Friday, September 14 at Rochdale Coroner’s Court in Heywood but adjourned for a full inquest next year on a date still to be confirmed.
To make a donation to Young Minds, visit the website: youngminds.org.uk/
