A community remembers a fantastic student

A local high school mourns the loss of one of its Year 11 students.

Principal, Neil Jamieson, said “As we live through what can only currently be described as the strangest of times, sometimes things happen which stops us all in our tracks and brings a community together to support one of their own.”

“It is with great sadness that Oakley Wright, a Year 11 student at The Cheadle Academy, sadly passed away on the 30th of April. Whilst many in our local community will be aware of this already, we wanted to share this along with a few additional comments with our parents, students and our wider community. Oakley was a hugely popular student, adored and admired by his many friends, family members, sports associates, neighbours, teachers and everyone who had the fortune to come across him. His smile brought the best out in many. He was a caring student and we will miss him greatly. Oakley was known for his sporting ability and along with his parents, Jenny and Mark Dalkins, who are also well known local athletes, was an enthusiastic member of Cheadle Running Club. Whilst speaking to Jenny and Mark last week they were keen for me to pass on their heartfelt thanks to everyone for the tremendous love and support they have received at this painfully sad time. All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time”, Neil Jamieson said, “and when school’s return to a degree of normality, we will say goodbye to Oakley as a community back together.”

Mr Edwards, who taught Oakley for PE, said “He was a keen sportsman and he proudly represented the academy on numerous occasions. He loved his sporting life at the academy; he could put his hand to anything asked of him. His dedication and commitment for his love of sport saw him proudly represent the academy, most notably in his long distance running and football” Mia Hullah and Morgan Hughes (Head Girl and Head Boy) said that “This devastating news has had a massive impact on his classmates, friends and family. Oakley was an inspiration to many; he would brighten up everyone’s day with his infectious smile. I know that we speak on behalf of the Class of 2020, and for everyone who knew Oakley, that he will truly be missed. He had such an impact on the people around him. He supported everyone that he could; so in return, one of our students at The Cheadle Academy have set up a fundraiser in memory of him. The community have come together and have raised a great sum of money! We are grateful for the amount of support that his family have received during this time. Oakley is a true hero and the memories that he has made with other people will stay with them forever. We will always be thinking of you Oakley. Rest easy.”

Oakley’s form tutor, Miss Victoria Wilkinson, said that he “always made me smile during tutor periods in the morning, mainly because he had the most infectious smile. Every morning, the pockets of Oakley’s blazer would be bursting with sweets; he would happily share these with his classmates. Even though eating in class is not allowed, his cheeky smile and unbridled generosity meant that he invariably got away with it. He was adored by many of his friends, and rightly so, because he was just such a nice and kind individual.”