11 March 2023 , 13:04
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Tributes have poured in for a "lovely student" and "great child" who suddenly died after suffering a cardiac arrest during her PE lesson.
The pupil, named locally as Kayla Ere, was airlifted to hospital following the medical emergency at The Gateway Academy in Essex last week.
She sadly died later that evening, leaving teachers and pupils at the secondary school "devastated".
The academy confirmed that staff members went to hospital with the student's family.
She reportedly had no previous medical conditions.
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In a heartbreaking message shared to social media on her behalf, Kayla's mum, Francesca Ere, paid tribute to her "little girl" who "impacted so many lives".
In a statement released following the tragedy, Kayla's school described her as a "lovely student" (Martin Dalton/REX/Shutterstock)She said: "It’s a sad situation for me but at the same time I am grateful to the school authority, Mrs. Grainne, Sam and some other teachers that stood by me during this tragic times.
"This pain cannot leave me in the near future but with the kind support am receiving from everyone all I want to say is am very proud of the impact my little girl had made in her short life lived and the few years she had spent in Gateway Academy.
"Kayla was a great child and she had made me a proud mother and also impacted so many lives, thank you to all the lovely students for your cards, sweet messages from her friends, parents and kids from other years.
"I am so grateful and appreciate your prayers, love, care. I know that I can’t reach each and everyone of you physically or personally but know that I really appreciate your support/prayers and I know it’s helping me heal.
"God bless you all."
In a statement released following the tragedy, Kayla's school described her as a "lovely student".
A GoFundMe page set up in Kayla's memory has raised over £14,800 at the time of writing (Justgiving)A spokesperson said: "Following the medical emergency at The Gateway Academy on Thursday 2nd March involving a student who became very unwell in a PE lesson, it is great sadness that we inform our community that our lovely student died in hospital that evening.
"Members of staff attended hospital with the family and with members of the Tilbury community are reaching out to provide continuing support. Staff, students, and the whole GLC community are devastated at this time.
"Students and staff who are most affected have access to professionals who are providing guidance and support; enabling us to give emotional support to the children and each other through this difficult time.
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"The medical team at the Gateway Academy, paramedics and doctors worked tirelessly to support the student before the air ambulance transferred her to King’s College hospital."
A GoFundMe page set up in Kayla's memory has raised over £14,800 at the time of writing.
The fundraiser reads: "On 2nd March 2023 - a single mother, a family, a group of friends and our Thurrock Community lost a young 14-year-old girl to heaven.
"No previous medical conditions - suddenly she passed due to a cardiac arrest. Words cannot describe this tragedy!
"The mother left behind has lost her world. She requires financial support. We would like to come together as a community to raise funds for the funeral of Kayla Ere.
"This Angel of God deserves a great send off."
You can donate to the fundraiser here.