Parents of Horton student Jemima Layzell thank friends for love and loyalty (From This is The West Country)

Parents of Horton student Jemima Layzell thank friends for love and loyalty

11:20am Sunday 3rd June 2012 in Somerset

THE parents of Jemima Layzell, Harvey and Sophy, have taken huge comfort from the fact that they knew their daughter was so widely loved by everyone who knew her.

The couple would like to thank Taunton School, which hosted, co-ordinated and funded Jemima’s memorial service last week and, in particular, the support given by Louise Bolland and Christabel Ager.

“We would also like to thank all the staff who gave Jemima such passion for learning, especially her art teacher, Ms Roper, and English teacher, Mr Manners,” they said.

“Jemima’s passage to teenagehood wasn’t always as smooth as it could have been, and Catherine Richards was the rock we all relied on and still do as she now keeps a watchful eye on Amelia.

“We wish to thank Nigel Cousins, Taunton School film-makers, for kindly ensuring we have a record of the afternoon, Dan Gale Right, Smart Films, for compiling the slide show, Kathryn Howard, and her marketing and events team at Taunton School, for the excellent and welcome refreshments in the library afterwards, and Martin Smith Photography.”

But Sophy and Harvey said: “Our greatest thanks, however, go to Jemima’s friends for their love and loyalty to our daughter.

“We once talked about what our favourite times were, and Jemima said ‘just messing about with my friends.’ “The highlight of her year was usually her birthday when they would all come and sleep in our tent, and go exploring down to the river.

“They would come back absolutely soaked, but exhilarated, and in need of comfort food and a movie.”