HUNDREDS of balloons were released into the sky in memory of a seven-year-old girl who suddenly died.
Staff and pupils at St Teresa’s Catholic School in Elsenham Crescent, Pitsea, dedicated their May Parade to Malaika Adam yesterday.
Usually children take flowers to Mary as part of the Catholic school’s annual procession, but this year, to remember Malaika, white helium balloons were released into the sky as children said goodbye to their friend.
Parents and staff also took part in the ceremony to remember the schoolgirl from Polsteads, Vange.
Malaika’s grandmother Cheryl Lee, who attended the event, said: “It was absolutely beautiful. Each year group came forward and let go of their balloons.
“One of her sisters went and sat with the children and they let them go.
“They said ‘bye bye Malaika, we won’t forget you’.”
Malaika was sent home from the school with a stomach ache on May 13, but her condition worsened and she died on Friday at Basildon Hospital.
Plans are being made for Malaika’s funeral which is due to take place on June 1 at St Basil’s the Great, in Luncies Road, Basildon, at 12.30pm.
All are welcome. The family request people do not wear black.
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