Teachers will help to comfort tragic Ben’s school pals
Staff to support grieving pupils after reservoir tragedy
Teachers will offer support to the griefstricken pupils of Paisley’s Gleniffer High following the tragic death of classmate Ben Thomson.
The popular 14- year- old died after getting into difficulty in the Glenburn Reservoir on Tuesday evening.
Staff at the much-loved lad’s school have been offering his pals support as they come to terms with his death.
A spokesman from the Glenburn school said: “Some staff will be in school on Tuesday for any young people who would like to come in for some support.
“Headteacher Lisa Chalmers will also be available on Monday morning.”
Tributes have been paid to the teen from across the community since the tragic accident.
Miss Chalmers said: “The Gleniffer High School community are devastated to hear the tragic news of Ben’s passing.
“Ben William James Thomson was a well- liked, friendly and very caring pupil, who always greeted you in the corridor.
“Ben was due to start his fourth year of secondary school in August.
“As well as succeeding in academic subjects, Ben was also a very talented young footballer, achieving extra- curricular awards for his achievements in the game.”
Renfrewshire Council Provost Lorraine Cameron, who is a councillor in
Ben was a wellliked, friendly and very caring pupil Lisa Chalmers Gleniffer High Headteacher
Glenburn, offered her support to the family.
She added: “This is the worst thing that can happen to a family, and my thoughts are with them and all of Ben’s friends during this terribly sad time.
“Glenburn is a very closeknit community and I know everyone is already rallying around the family to give them the support they need to cope with such a tragic event.”
The leader of Renfrewshire Council Iain Nicholson also paid tribute to the youth, saying: “This is a tragic incident and will be felt by many in the community.
“I would like to express my condolences to the family and all those who knew Ben.”
Ben’s dad descibed him this week as a fun loving lad who would do anything for anyone.
The community has rallied behind the family with a fund set up to help them in the wake of the tragedy collecting almost £5,000 in just three days.
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
He is survived by mum Sharon, dad Barry and sisters, Sophie and Kymberley.