KS1 KS2

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary, Henley

2 min read

Sacred Heart Trim Trail and memorial plaque

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School is committed to supporting every child’s academic, creative, social and spiritual development through engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Faith, learning and wellbeing are at the heart of school life, with a strong sense of community running through everything the school does.

When one of the school’s much-loved pupils, Elliott, sadly passed away, his family and the school community wanted to create something that would celebrate his life and provide a lasting legacy for future generations of children.

A legacy inspired by a love of climbing and Spiderman

Elliott’s father, Chris, approached the school with the idea of creating a climbing challenge in Elliott’s memory. Elliott loved to climb, play, make friends and, above all, he loved Spiderman.

Elliott’s parents, alongside the school community, worked together to raise funds for the project, bringing their shared vision for a meaningful and joyful memorial to life.

Outdoor Learning Consultant Mark met with Chris to hear Elliott’s story and understand what would make the project truly personal to him. From these conversations, Mark created a bespoke trim trail featuring a variety of climbing challenges, including a Web Traverse inspired by a spider web.

The design was brought to life with blue and red nets and climbing holds, creating a subtle nod to Elliott’s favourite superhero. A commemorative plaque was also included, providing a lasting reminder of the reason behind the project.

A space filled with adventure and joy

Once the installation was complete, Elliott’s parents joined members of the school community for a special unveiling ceremony.

Elliott’s mum, Aimee, explained how important it was to create something that would reflect his personality and give children the opportunity to enjoy the things he loved.

“We wanted to also do something for the school and something to remember him that was fun and for the children to enjoy. This seemed like the right thing.”

She went on to describe Elliott’s love of climbing, playing and making friends, as well as his enduring love of Spiderman.

“He would love all the colours on the frame and seeing the children all playing on the frame, they look so excited. That is what it’s all about, that’s totally in the spirit of Elliott.”

For Chris, the climbing challenge provides a way for Elliott’s classmates and cousins to remember him through the very things he enjoyed most.

“We’re so glad that we have been able to have this apparatus installed while Elliott’s classmates and cousins still attend Sacred Heart and will be able to remember their friend while playing and having fun together, which he loved.”

A tribute that children can enjoy for years to come

Headteacher Mrs Sanders was delighted when Chris and Aimee first shared their idea for the project. For her, the climbing challenge was a fitting way to remember Elliott because it gives children the opportunity to play, explore and create their own memories.

“Benches and trees have their place as memorials, but this is just a perfect way of remembering Elliott.”

She described how the space invites children to climb, play and imagine, allowing Elliott’s joy to live on through the experiences of the children who use it.

“This wall will always be a place of adventure, resilience and joy – just as Elliott would have wanted.”

The finished climbing challenge is more than a new piece of play equipment. It is a meaningful tribute created through the shared efforts of Elliott’s family, the school and its wider community.

It provides children with opportunities to climb, challenge themselves, build physical skills and, most importantly, play together and have fun.

In doing so, Elliott’s legacy continues to be part of everyday life at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, and this was a project that was understandably dear to our hearts at Phoenix Play.