Memorial garden for sudden death victim Connor Ashton (From St Helens Star)

Memorial garden for sudden arrhythmic death syndrome victim Connor Ashton

8:00am Saturday 15th September 2012 in News

AN emotional tribute to a former St Helens College student has been paid by his friends.

Connor Ashton, a joinery student, died at his home in February, aged 17, from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADs).

He enjoyed sport, especially football, and was an avid Liverpool supporter.

His parents Joanne and Stephen have created a special memorial garden in the backyard of their home in Sutton.

Stephen, along with Alan Heggarty, Sean Finnegan and family and friends, have created a place to relax and remember the life of Connor.

Stephen, 44, said: “We would like to thank everyone who has helped to create Connor’s memorial garden.

“Family and friends have also given up their time to raise money for the SADs charity by taking part in various fundraising events.

“The money that has been raised will help to buy defibrillators for the local community.”

College students and staff wanted to create something special as a tribute to Connor, a former St Cuthbert’s secondary school pupil, and decided to build a bench for his memorial garden.

The team spent 10 weeks building the bench and received kind donations of materials from ST Group, on Clock Face Road, and Prescott’s Ironmongery, on Westfield Street.

Joanne, 42, said: “Stephen and I would like to thank the students and tutors at St Helens College for the hard work and thought they have put into making a one-of-a-kind memorial bench for Connor’s garden.

“The bench is a nice addition to the garden, and we have created a special place where we can relax and remember Connor.”