Cornish School’s Heartfelt Memorial for Fallen Aid Worker
A Young Hero’s Legacy Takes Shape in Rural Cornwall
Deep in the rural heart of Cornwall, near Truro, Kea Community Primary School is bringing a vision to life that will permanently honour one of its most inspiring former pupils. Chris Parry, who attended the school before going on to become an internationally recognised aid worker, was killed in January 2023 while rescuing civilians from active war zones in eastern Ukraine. At just 28 years old, Chris had already helped evacuate more than 400 people to safety—a testament to his unwavering compassion and courage. Now, the school community is rallying together to raise £10,500 for a striking permanent sculpture that will stand in the school grounds as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary life and selfless work. The initiative has deeply moved Chris’s parents, Rob and Christine Parry, who have expressed their overwhelming support for the project. For a rural primary school like Kea, having a former pupil make such a profound global impact demonstrates the transformative power of a nurturing educational environment and the values instilled in young people during their formative years.
The Art of Remembrance: A Sculpture Built on Love
Local sculptor Ben Dearsley has been selected to create this meaningful memorial, and his artistic vision encapsulates everything Chris represented. The sculpture will be carved from a piece of Delabole slate—a material deeply rooted in Cornish heritage—standing at Chris’s own height. At its centre sits a vibrant heart rendered in warm oranges, reds, and yellows, symbolising the love and compassion that defined Chris’s character. Dearsley explained his creative philosophy, saying he wanted to craft something truly positive that could be placed within the school landscape to reflect Chris’s loving nature. The artist’s intention is clear: as children pass the sculpture on their way into lessons, they’ll be reminded of the power of kindness and courage. For the Kea School community—staff, pupils, and parents alike—this sculpture will serve as a daily source of inspiration. It represents not just a memorial to one remarkable individual, but a beacon for all children at the school, encouraging them to think about how they might contribute positively to the world.
What This Means for Kea School and the Wider Community
Headteacher Katherine Hunkin has been instrumental in driving this fundraising effort, recognising the profound impact Chris’s story can have on current pupils. She emphasises that the sculpture will provide a permanent focal point for remembrance and reflection within the school grounds. For families in the surrounding villages and rural areas who call Kea School home, this project carries special significance. It demonstrates that extraordinary achievements can emerge from quiet, nurturing educational spaces far from city centres. Rob Parry noted that his son ‘loved his time’ at Kea, thriving in the supportive environment the school provided. Christine Parry highlighted that Chris wasn’t without flaws, but his journey shows children what’s possible through dedication and selflessness. For local residents and school families, the fundraising target is nearly within reach. Those wishing to support the memorial can contribute to the crowdfunding campaign, which has gained momentum over recent months. When completed, the sculpture will stand as a permanent reminder that from a small Cornish primary school came a young person who changed lives globally, inspiring future generations to dream bigger and act with greater purpose.
Source: Cornish school fundraising to honour ex-pupil killed in Ukraine
