William's life
William's story began when he arrived on his due date, 28th December 1995. He was a very lively and bright toddler, eager to learn.
He learnt his alphabet and numbers 1-20 at just two years old by reading alphabet and number books he had chosen. Living with just me and my mother, he became very close to his Grandma Ada, choosing a book and snuggling up to her even when he was too big to fit comfortably in the chair with her. He spent many a happy time finding items of clothing to put on Grandma’s head, the sillier the better!
William grew into a very active child and enjoyed swimming lessons and the gym whilst still a toddler, receiving many certificates along the way. As he grew up he would channel his energy into playing football at every opportunity. Many times we would walk to the nearby park to kick a ball around, not leaving until he had scored ‘just one more goal’ for the umpteenth time! I used to take William to St Paul’s Toddler Group and eventually I took over the running of the group. It was very popular and I used to arrange parties and a Summer Outing each year. William loved to help with the ideas for the craft session and would help me organise the toys.
William looked forward to starting school and did extremely well. He had a thirst for knowledge that would last even throughout his illness and a very impressive capacity to remember a variety of facts.
William was six when his beloved Grandma died in 2002 and showed great maturity, even finding the strength to read a prayer at her funeral.
It was William's idea to set up football sessions at the local leisure centre on a Sunday with his school friends. This proved very popular and involved his uncles as referee. The children enjoyed it, as did the parents watching from the viewing area.
William was very proud (as was mum) when he was selected for the school football team but his sports activities were not restricted to football. Most weeks, his after school sessions included two football training sessions, five a side, four tennis sessions, a cricket lesson and a swimming lesson.
William made close friends at school and these friends continued to see William during the time he was ill. He became a member of the 13th Dover (St Paul’s) Cubs and worked hard to gain badges. He even won his race in a Cubs swimming gala just a week or two before becoming ill. His Cub group gave him a special award for his bravery and courage throughout his illness.
William became ill a month before his 10th birthday in November 2005 and died eleven months later on October 20 2006 aged just 10 years and 10 months old.
William was not destined to grow up to be an adult but in his short life he became an inspiration to many, his courage, bravery and sheer zest for life will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him, especially his family and his friends.
