This week saw the long overdue official opening of Hollick Hall at Sponne School. This was also a surprise event for Headteacher Mr Massey and Mrs Farrell (SENCO) who were invited to join members of the Hollick family in unveiling the signs before they retire at the end of this term. Yr 7,8,9 and 12 lined the field and gave a rousing reception to both Mr Massey and Mrs Farrell as they passed through the 'guard of honour' that led to Hollick Hall.
Inside Hollick Hall there is a plaque with a picture that Tom had drawn along with details of Tom Hollick's legacy and reads as follows:
Thomas Hollick joined Sponne School in September 2012. From the start, he made strong friendships, was very active, and had a great sense of humour. He quickly became involved in many sports clubs, particularly football and badminton, competing for the school teams.
When Thomas was in Year 8, he faced the daunting diagnosis of a brain tumour and underwent surgery, followed by both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Throughout all this, Thomas remained resilient and continued to attend school. His year group, teachers, and family supported him through some really tough times.
Thomas would keep his year group updated by talking in assemblies about his progress and treatment, inspiring everyone with his courage and determination. For a while, it seemed remission was in reach, but when Thomas was in Year 11, the cancer returned. In February 2017, Thomas learned that his cancer was terminal and he didn’t have long to live. Despite this, he was incredibly brave and continued to attend school while being determined to sit his GCSEs. During this time, he also pursued several things he had dreamed about doing.
On April 25th, 2017, just weeks before his exams, Thomas sadly passed away. He had always been such an amazing, positive person with his motto – ‘Dream, Believe, Achieve’ – which echoes through the school. His year group channelled his fighting spirit into their exams, and when the results came in, they were the best GCSE results Sponne had ever seen.
Thomas’s legacy lives on through the school motto ‘Dream, Believe, Achieve’, embodying his determination and fighting spirit. “Thomas Hollick Hall” is a testament to his enduring impact. Though he left this world too soon, Thomas lives on in the memories of all who knew him, inspiring us to dream bigger, believe in ourselves, and achieve beyond our limits.
