A little girl who lost her fight against cancer over 18 months ago, was in everyone’s minds as St Francis School in Falmouth unveiled its Pirate Ship for a Princess last week.

The Good Ship Chloe has been built in the school playground after £20,000 was raised in just one year thanks to the fundraising efforts of a dedicated team of children and adults who were determined to keep Chloe Edwards’ memory alive.

On Friday, Chloe’s mum, Nicola, was back at the school to join in the celebrations as children were given the first chance to clamber all over the pirate ship-shaped climbing frame, slide and seating area.

The whole school was brought out into the playground to witness the official naming of the play equipment and see Nicola take the first ride down the slide.

Teacher Nicky Sutton, who has coordinated the appeal, said: “This pirate ship is not just a pirate play ship, it’s a very special memorial for all of you to remember Chloe. When you are playing on this ship, you will remember Chloe and all the fun she would have had on this.

“It has taken a year to the day to raise enough money, the £20,000 that it has cost to build this. It is not just down to one person. When you build something of this magnitude and this expense it takes a team effort and St Francis is all about family and about community.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better team. They have tirelessly given up hours of their own time in order for this to be possible. Year six, and five girls in particular, should be really proud of themselves because they have been on the committee for Pirate Ship for a Princess and have worked extremely hard for a whole year.”

Chloe was just eight when she of cancer in January 2012. Her mum, Nicola, said on Friday: “I was a bit worried about coming today because I thought it would be quite emotional, but it has been fantastic.

“The whole thing is about the joy and fun of it, all which is what Chloe was all about. These girls, the parents and teachers have all worked so hard and have stuck with and there is now something that is going to give fun for years to come.

“I think about Chloe all the time. I love to remember all the good memories that make me feel happy and think about all the things we did and the fun we had. This is just another link to these fond memories.

“I love these kids, and particularly Chloe’s class. They have all been incredibly brave and this has been good for them, given them something to focus on.”

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