Members of Brandon Sutton’s family have handed over care boxes to help support local youngsters cope with grief.
The Brandon Sutton Legacy Fund was set up in memory of Football & Education Student Brandon, who sadly lost his life in a road traffic accident earlier this year. Over recent months Brandon’s family, supported by St Giles Hospice and Burton Albion Community Trust, have been deciding how the money raised, could be spent to help support youngsters dealing with grief in our local communities.
Some of the monies already raised has been used in the last week to deliver 30 care boxes to students at John Taylor Free School to help support them in dealing with their grief following the tragic death of their friend, Hussein Quig-Diop.
The care boxes, named ‘Brandon’s Boxes’, contain items that support the young people to mindfully reflect and take time out to look after themselves in times when they are dealing with loss. Items such as a candle, picture frame, sweet treats, hot chocolate, a blanket, mindfulness colouring are included with a poem, a note on how the items can help and a short message from Brandon’s family.
Sue Plant, Headteacher of John Taylor Free School said: “I was privileged to meet the family of Brandon last week and humbled by their dedication to support other young people through grief. The boxes clearly meant so much to our students when they were delivered last week. For some, it was the first time I had seen them smile. I know that the thought, care and attention will support our students during this time.”
The boxes cost £25, should anyone wish to donate towards these boxes please donate via this link: https://app.goodhub.com/bradonsut
The Brandon Sutton Legacy Fund isn’t stopping at the Brandon’s Boxes, there are many more plans being developed in order to help support young people across East Staffordshire. With the support of St Giles, Burton Albion Community trust and the school network, the ambition of Brandon’s legacy is that young people are supported to help cope with loss and grief at such a difficult and confusing time when they often just don’t know what they should be doing or feeling.
Father of Brandon, Nick Sutton said: “It was special to see the students receiving the boxes, despite very difficult circumstances, seeing Brandon’s Legacy helping other young people was something that we hope will continue.”
Education Manager, Katie Johnson said: “It has been really important to the Community Trust to support Brandon’s family as he was a part of the wider Burton Albion family. To now be working with Brandon’s family and supporting the Brandon Sutton Legacy, in helping them support other young people in the local community, is what Burton Albion Community Trust is all about.
“Adults struggle to come to terms with loss and cope with grief so it’s no wonder young people are struggling. We hope that Brandon’s legacy will help to open up conversations for young people and help them access support.”
Jo Mason, Brandon’s mum also delivered 2 of the boxes to Hussein’s younger brothers said: “What a special day it has been for us as a family to get to deliver the first batch of Brandon’s Boxes to help grieving children.”
Ali Callear, Community Engagement Coordinator at St Giles Hospice, said: “It is a privilege to work alongside Brandon’s family to help continue his legacy and provide help and support to local young people who are affected by grief and loss. This is just the first of many steps the family are taking to honour the life of Brandon and equipping our local communities to comfort and support each other.”
The next event, aiming to raise money to further support local youngsters in this way, is the Brandon Sutton Legacy Ball being held at the Pirelli Stadium on 14th October.
For more information or to buy tickets for this event please contact Rich Thornewill at richard.thornewill@sky.com.
For more information on the Brandon Sutton Legacy Fund please contact Katie Johnson, Education Manager at katie.johnson@burtonalbionct.org.
