A student from Rawtenstall who died after a sudden and short illness will be commemorated during a funeral service this week.

Isabel Kate Connolly-Wellock died suddenly on Friday March 31 in the Royal Blackburn hospital. The 16-year-old student who studied at All Saints' Roman Catholic High School in Waterfoot has been described by her family as a 'lovely, caring young person'.

Isabel was born in Waterfoot where she lived all of her life. She attended Waterfoot Primary school and All Saints RC school, Rawtenstall. The family have said that Isabel has now left her parents Ian and Geraldine, sister Bryde, grandma Barbara, aunties, uncles, cousins and many friends.

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Following the announcement of her death during the Easter school holidays, a funeral service will be held at St Anne’s CE Edgeside.

Isabel's family have opened up the invitation to staff and close friends at Isabel's school. All Saints RC school posted the announcement on their Facebook page, informing members of the school of the service which is to be held tomorrow, Wednesday, April 19 at 2pm conducted by the Rev Rod Bevan, followed by interment in the church graveyard.

In a full statement, the school also announced it will be closed to staff and pupils at midday on the day of Isabel's funeral to allow those who wish to attended to do so. The statement reads: "Dear Parents and Carers. As we broke up for the Easter holidays, we communicated some very sad information to you about the tragic loss of one of our pupils, Isabel Connolly-Wellock.

"The funeral for Isabel will be at 2pm on Wednesday 19th April 2023 at St Anne’s Church in Edgeside. The family have invited any staff and close friends of Isabel to attend if they wish to.

"Family have requested that friends of Isabel come to the funeral dressed in something purple and not school uniform. As a mark of respect for Isabel and to facilitate staff and pupils getting to the church, All Saints’ Roman Catholic High School will close at midday on Wednesday 19th April.

"We apologise for the late notice of this and for any inconvenience this may cause but hope that we have your understanding in these particular circumstances."

The school has worked with Isabel's family to set up a Just Giving Page to raise fund for a charity of their choice. The family have chosen The SEPSIS UK Trust following their daughter's sudden death.

The statement continues to read: "The school has also set up a Just Giving page in memory of Isabel which is raising funds for the charity chosen by the family, The SEPSIS UK Trust. The link to the Just Giving page is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/isabel-cw.

"The school will also be organising future fund-raising events for the charity. Please pray for Isabel and her family, friends and the school community and thank you for your cooperation."

The school and family who have written another statement on the fundraising page say the 16-year-old was 'an extremely popular and well liked pupil'. Isabel who was in the midst of studying for her GCSE's was passionate about her artwork and loved walking her dog Albert.

The statement reads: "Isabel Kate Connolly-Wellock died after a short period of illness on Friday, March 31 in the Royal Blackburn hospital, aged 16 years.

"Isabel was born in Waterfoot where she lived all of her life. She attended Waterfoot Primary school and All Saints' RC school, Rawtenstall.

"Isabel was in Year 11 and an extremely popular and well liked pupil. Isabel had a loyal and close group of friends and will be remembered by all who met her as a lovely, caring young person. Isabel always had excellent school reports for the progress she was making and for her attendance, punctuality and behaviour.

"Her passion was artwork and she excelled in her mock GCSEs. She also enjoyed walking her dog, Albert. Isabel was a very kind and gentle soul and will be very sadly missed by all her teachers and fellow pupils. She leaves her parents Ian and Geraldine, sister Bryde, grandma Barbara, aunties, uncles, cousins and many friends.

"The UK Sepsis Trust is the charity chosen by Isabel's family. All Saints' RC High School will be organising future fundraising events in memory of Isabel. Thank you for taking the time to donate."

To donate to Isabel's fundraising page, click here.

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