On behalf of the Anglo European School:

From Jody Gee/David Barrs, Co-Headteachers

Tom Smith, one of our Upper Sixth students sadly passed away on Christmas Eve after a long battle with a rare form of cancer. Tom was in the Upper Sixth but, because of his illness, was re-taking the Lower Sixth.

Tom had been dealing with the cancer which was first diagnosed at the time of his GCSEs. Despite this he progressed into our Sixth Form to study A levels in Sociology, Travel and Tourism and PE and Spanish ab initio.

Throughout his illness Tom was supported by his family and a group of very close friends. We would like to pay tribute to the manner in which they have all responded at such a difficult time. Tom dealt with his illness with enormous dignity, bravery and calmness.
The thoughts of the “Anglo family” are with Tom’s mother and father, sister Emma and twin brother Matt. They have set up a website in Tom’s memory. The website encourages his friends and others to share their thoughts and photographs as well as to donate to the family’s chosen charity, Sarcoma UK. The site can be accessed on http://tom.smith.1998-2015.muchloved.com

As a mark of respect there will be no lessons or examinations for the Upper Sixth that day. Such events challenge us all and it is often helpful to talk through what it means. Thankfully they are rare events, but provide us with opportunities to reflect on our own lives and become stronger for it.

Memories from teachers of the Anglo:

Ann James, SEANCO
You will see attached a photo of when Tom came to the Anglo with Blackmore cubs when he was seven to do his cooks badge. She also recalls him also doing his sports badge here when Mr Priestley led a trampolining session. “I went to Wegimont with Tom when he was in Year 7. Rio Robin – his mate - and he had new white trainers and spent ages each evening wiping them over. Image was important. I also went to Arles with Tom in Year 9 where he managed to get around Mrs Martin who was party leader with his charm. He was great company, but not sure he ever completed his work package!”

Jenny Box, (ex-Head of Science)
Jenny Box has just sent me a memory. It’s a funny one. In Year 7 in Wegimont, Tom and his friends all denied playing with some glow sticks. The staff got all the boys together and turned off all the lights and the boys all glowed!!!

Darren Priestley (Assistant Headteacher)
I taught Tom PE throughout his time at Anglo. I was his GCSE PE teacher and whilst he was an excellent sportsman and in particular a footballer he was far from a model student in PE theory lessons. My tactic was always to get him onto his favourite subject – Chelsea FC. Once we had finished my meet and greet and discussed Chelsea’s progress against West Ham’s failures he would then settle to work at the front desk on his own. By his own admission he didn’t like theory work and certainly didn’t like homework. I had lots of conversations with his mum on the telephone trying to coax some homework out of him. In year 10 I promised that if he was good in all lessons and kept out of the referral room (which was often) I would use our contacts at Arsenal FC to get him work experience. I know he had a great time there and it inspired him to want to pursue a career in sport. They were very impressed by him. I believe they saw a side to Tom that I knew he had as well.

After his first round of treatment for cancer, he would often call into my office in L block to talk football. His form room was next door so it was always an excuse to catch up. We would always start with how his treatment was going but as usual we would end up talking about his anticipated return to football, whilst giving him an opportunity to make fun of West Ham. In return I would make fun that he would only wear a Ralph Lauren hat and would tease him about being a poser. When he came to see me last summer to ask my honest opinion whether he could do A level PE I joked only if he could keep out of the referral room. That was my last conversation with Tom so I am pleased that it ended with fun, banter and wit from Tom. That’s how I want to remember him.

Tom Cuff (Head of PE)
Tom was an extremely talented and passionate Sportsman who represented the school in a variety of sports. As captain of the School football team from year 7, Tom was always an outstanding leader. He always played with great determination and never gave up regardless of the score. He was brave, fearless, strong and quick which helped him to become an excellent defender. He was a very popular student within the team. Tom was also selected to play in the district football team due to his outstanding talent.

Tom was also a courageous and passionate Rugby player who was never afraid of contact. He was a powerful Number 8 yet had the flair and subtlety to play any position on the rugby field. He was well respected by his team mates, teachers and opposition players who would regularly comment on his commitment and attitude to the game. He was part of the team that were Mid Essex cup runners up in his Year 11. It was a pleasure for me to watch him on the rugby field.

Stuart Newton (Director of Sixth Form)
I recall after a quite serious conversation about his treatment in my office he noticed my Spurs mug and made some comment about maybe me having my own problems! Cheeky so and so.

I've never met someone in all my time around hospitals who faced up to his illness in such a dignified manner.

Linda McNeill (Tom's form tutor when he started school)
He was in my form when I first started teaching at Anglo and it was his first year at the school too. '7E' were a great form to have and Tom was an integral member of the form. He was popular with his classmates and would often be caught with a cheeky grin on his face as some private joke had been shared. I remember his smile very clearly. He was not perfectly behaved the whole time but he had spirit and a sense of fun and this made him very likable. Most of my memories of Tom are entangled with memories of Matt as they really looked out for each other. I can very clearly picture them both now aged about 11 looking somewhat disheveled in their school uniform as they turned up for registration late after being out playing football. This was a fairly regular occurrence!

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of his death last weekend. It just seemed so impossibly cruel as i last saw him as a very healthy and robust year 10 with his whole life in front of him. I saw on his memorial website that his birthday was 1st May, This is also my son George's birthday so I will always think of him and Matt on this day.