A school has turned its peace garden into a memorial garden dedicated to student Lavna Chuttoo who died this week.
Coombe Girls' School's peace garden, which has become a memorial to Lavna
Lavna Chuttoo, 14, was hit by a lorry in Lime Grove, New Malden, while walking with friends to Coombe Girls’ School on Tuesday, November 17. She died at the scene.
The junction where she was killed soon became the site of a makeshift memorial inundated with flowers. Coombe Girls’ School has now moved the tributes to its Clarence Avenue peace garden in memory of the year 10 pupil.
Coombe Girls’ School headteacher Deborah Walls said: “We have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible support from pupils, parents, staff, the local community and neighbours at this very difficult time.
“We remember Lavna with such fondness for her energy, infectious smile, true courtesy and real consideration for others – she will be so sorely missed but will always be in our hearts.
“As a community we are devastated but are supporting each other and grieving together.”
A message left by one of Lavna's friends at the memorial
Lavna was three years old when she moved with her parents from Mauritius with her parents.
She joined St Mark’s Junior School in Surbiton before attending Coombe Girls’, where she excelled as a grade A student and was due to win an award this week.
One pupil said: “I saw her around school all the time, she was always so happy and smiling. She was so tiny and adorable.
“Secondary school would be such a scary place if it didn’t have people like her in.”
The school plans to soon set up a permanent memorial for Lavna.
- Did you know Lavna? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6315 or send an email to jonathan.mitchell@london.newsquest.co.uk
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