The friends and family of a One Sixth Form College student came together to remember him on Tuesday – with a special guest of honour from the football club he loved.
Mason Fountain was, his family said, a hero, a fighter and a warrior.
Mason was five when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. However, the young Ipswich Town fan was determined that he would continue living life to the full, and to help others along the way.
On July 21 last year, Mason died at the age of 18.
On Tuesday, Mason’s family were in attendance at a memorial event at his former college, One Sixth Form (formerly Suffolk One).
The event was organised by Mason’s friend and current student, Harrison Mayhew-Kemp, 19, who is currently studying a sport level two course.
Mason was a huge sports fan. The event was packed full of sporting activities in his honour, including table cricket and table tennis – and £60 was raised for Zest, the young adult transition arm of St Elizabeth Hospice.
Harrison said: “We wanted to create a fun, sport-filled day for Mason.
"I miss him but I believe he is here with us - all the time. I’ll never forget him.”
Also in attendance was George Hirst, the Ipswich Town striker, who had come along to represent the club, Mason being a massive Town supporter.
The club marked Mason’s passing last August, holding a minute’s applause during the 18th minute of their game against Leeds United at Portman Road.
Mason’s mum, Shelley Fountain, 41, was at the college on Tuesday.
“Mason was a student here and he adored coming to college,” she said. “His friend wanted to do this event in his honour and it’s amazing. It’s very heart-warming.
“Events like this help keep his memory alive.”
Mason’s sister, Kloie Fountain, 17, agreed. “It’s such a lovely atmosphere and everyone is enjoying themselves and that’s what Mason would have wanted,” she said. “He would’ve been so proud."
Josh Curry is a teacher of sport and supporting learning at One Sixth Form College. He said: “My students helped run the event. They planned it all and the job they have done is absolutely amazing.”
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