Great Cornard's Thomas Gainsborough School mourns loss of 'role model' pupil who died after battling cancer for more than a decade

A school community is in mourning, after the loss of a 'role model' sixth-form student, following a decade-long battle with cancer.

Thomas Gainsborough School in Great Cornard confirmed this week that William John Leonard had died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family, on Monday, August 8.

For more than 10 years, the teenager, who recently finished his Year 12 studies at the school, had battled ependymoma – a rare type of brain tumour, most commonly diagnosed in children.

The school announced William’s death in a message to students and their families yesterday, describing him as “an amazing young man who will be greatly missed by the TGS community.”

Helen Yapp, headteacher at Thomas Gainsborough School, said: “Will had just completed Year 12 in the Sixth form and he will be greatly missed by us all.

“He truly exhibited the TGS values and was an amazing role model to both staff and students alike.”

Following a private family cremation, a memorial service for William will take place at St James’ Church in Nayland at 5pm on Wednesday, August 24.

This will then be followed by a celebration of his life at Nayland Village Hall, which all those who knew William are invited to attend.

During his protracted fight against cancer, William underwent a large number of treatments, including two surgeries, stereotactic radiotherapy, numerous rounds of chemotherapy, an eye operation, and proton therapy in the United States.

His family confirmed following his death that they would be donating his brain to cancer research.

They have now also set up a fundraising appeal, seeking to raise at least £20,000 in aid of Fighting Ependymoma, a charity dedicated to helping work to improve diagnoses and treatments for the disease.

Since the appeal launched, more than £3,000, including gift aid, has been donated to the cause.

Jenny Goldsworth, one of the donors, said: “It was an absolute privilege to know William.

“I will always remember his wicked sense of humour.”

The money will help support the research of Professor Richard Gundy, co-director of The Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre in Nottingham.

To contribute towards the appeal, go online to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/WilliamJohnLeonard.