Ysgol Esceifiog

Ysgol Esceifiog in Anglesey have been shortlisted for a St David Award for the support staff offered a family in their school following a terminal diagnosis for one of their pupils.

In October 2020, a pupil in the reception class was diagnosed with a brain tumour and DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), which is a terminal illness. Since that day, the school supported Ania and her 7 year old sister and did everything they could to make sure Ania was supported in school as well as supporting other pupils who were affected by their friend’s illness. Despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic, the school played a big part in helping to make memories that will stay with Ania’s sister and her friends forever. Ania was very fond of dinosaurs and thanks to the school, she designed her own dinosaur, which stands at the entrance to the school’s outdoor classroom, Tý Rex.

Ania lost her battle in June 2021 and even though it was near the summer holidays, the school staff were a huge support to her family by working with outside agencies to offer support to Ania’s sister and her friends. The school has raised money for Young Lives vs Cancer and The Joshua Tree; charities who continue to support the family and the school community. The family also received a package from the school, which was full of photos and videos of Ania from her time in the school, which showed her laughing, learning, and enjoying herself.