Riverwalk School in Bury St Edmunds plants tree in memory of Born to be Different’s William Davis

The family of William Davis, who died last month, visited his former school today where a tree had been planted in his memory.

Paula, Nick and Jessie Davis were invited to Riverwalk School in Bury St Edmunds by interim academy head, Lucas Rumanowski, for a tour and to see the plaque and tree.

William, who died aged 24 in October, attended Riverwalk School when it was based at its former site in Chevington Close.

William’s dad, Nick, had been chair of governors for 12 years when it was based in its former site and he was amazed to see how the school had developed.

He said: “I had to give up the position before the build here was complete when William went into palliative care so it’s nice to come back and see it completed and see the seeds that we planted all those years ago have come to fruition.”

The gold plaque next to the tree read: “’To infinity and beyond’ in memory of William Davis.”

Nick added: “It’s lovely to have the tree – it will grow in the future and it’s something else for people to look at and remember Captain Chaos.

“William will live on, he was here for a good part of his schooling and it’s nice to keep that link with the school. He was a big part of our lives.”

Paula added: “We miss him dreadfully. He was the centre of our family but we’re trying to remember the good times, the funny times. We’ve donated his bike to Riverwalk so that pupils can carry on using it.”

Mr Rumanowski said: “I heard from staff who knew William and William’s parents of his passing and I heard how much his parents had contributed to the school.

“I wanted to create a symbol – something that will last for William and for other students. I want this space to become more for the school, children and parents.”