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.
Mason, who died at the age of 18 (Image: Contributed)
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.
Harrison organised the event in honour of his friend, who, he said, he will never forget. Image: One Sixth Form College (Image: One Sixth Form College)
The day was spent playing sports and celebrating Mason's life. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)
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.”
The memorial event for Mason Fountain was organised by Harrison Mayhew-Kemp (centre) and attended by Mason's sisters Kloie (left) and Amelie (right), his mum Shelley, Town striker George Hirst and (Image: Charlotte Bond)
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.
George Hirst sings an autograph for a young fan. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)
George Hirst was there to represent Ipswich Town, Mason having been a great Town supporter. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)
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.”
Harrison pictured with Mason's mum, Shelley, and sisters, Kloie and Amelie. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)
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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