Clacton-on-Sea boy’s death inspires fundraiser for new school bus

The family of a 15-year-old boy who died in his sleep have raised almost £12,000 towards buying his school a new bus.

Ralph Pearce went to bed at his home in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, on 26 July, but did not wake up the following morning.

The Ed Sheeran fan, who was born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, received specialist education at Shorefields School in the town.

His mother, Laura Cooper, said his death had “turned our life upside down” but insisted she wanted to “make something good come from it”.

Ms Cooper, 42, said despite his health complications, Ralph had been “absolutely fine” and not unwell before he died.

Her partner and Ralph’s father, Bradley Pearce, 40, said: “It’s like someone’s ripped part of your heart out.”

They were aware of Shorefields raising money for a new minibus, which it needed to transport pupils to and from school, and so agreed to support the cause.

“Ralph loved school and we decided instead of the funeral having flowers, we just wanted to keep his legacy on,” Ms Cooper said.

The parents have opened a tribute page to Ralph online and invited any donations to be made there.

They hoped any new minibus would have “in loving memory of Ralph Pearce” printed on it.

Gemma Fowler, the head teacher of Shorefields, said it would be “such a fitting tribute as Ralph loved going out on the bus with his classmates”.

She added: “He was such a happy boy who brought joy to everyone who met him.”

Mr Pearce and Ms Cooper remembered their son, who they nicknamed Wreck-it Ralph, as being popular with everyone he met.

“You’d walk down the street with him and he’d want to shake everyone’s hand or ask where their outfits were from,” Ms Cooper recalled.

“He was very chatty, such a happy, happy boy – always smiling.”

Mr Pearce added: “He had a real cheeky chappy side to him.”