EXCLUSIVE

by Rob Bailey

William Lippell Stanesby, like many 12-year-old boys, should have spent the long summer holiday playing cricket, fishing, and playing music.

Instead his parents have been left devastated after he was found hanged at his home in Holmewood Ridge, Tunbridge Wells.

William, a pupil at The Judd School, in Tonbridge, was found at 6.15pm last Thursday.

The full circumstances of his death have not been confirmed but it is believed to have been accidental.

Details have been passed to the coroner, an inquest has opened and adjourned and the full hearing will be held in September.

William’s parents, Sabrina Lippell and David Stanesby said in a statement: “No one who knows him can believe that he has gone.

"As parents, we cannot begin to describe how we feel but we know that William is now with God in whom we trust and we are praying for God’s guidance to show us why our little boy, who had so much to live for on this Earth, was needed in Heaven.”

The family were active members of St Mary’s Church in Speldhurst, where William attended youth groups.

’he embraced life’

william’s head teacher described a “great sense of shock throughout the school community”.

william had been at the judd school since last september.

head teacher robert masters said: “william had wholeheartedly embraced school life and had made many friends: he was doing very well in his studies and was a leading light in music, playing both guitar and oboe. he was also making his mark as a cricketer.

“our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this most difficult time.

“my staff and i will support the students in his class and others who knew him as they try and come to terms with what has happened.”

The Rev Douglas Wren said: “William was a much loved member of our church at Speldhurst.

“Various people have said to me that they want to do something in memory of William. That is an indication of the high regard in which he and his family were held.

“People’s responses are complex, but part of it is that they want to celebrate his life and making something positive out of a tragic situation.”

A memorial service will be held at the church on Thursday, July 7.

Police confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Both of William’s parents are former directors of the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre, and Mr Stanesby is now bursar at The Holmewood School in Tunbridge Wells.

Did you know William? Post your tribute to him in the comment box below.