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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Lauren Harte

Belfast school's fundraising tribute to dearly loved pupil who is 'sorely missed'

Staff and pupils at a Belfast school are putting their best feet forward to honour the memory of a dearly loved pupil, who is 'sorely missed'.

It's all in memory of a brave Co Down teenager who 'defied all the odds' following her death from cancer.

Julia Okon, 15, from Saintfield, died peacefully on January 30, surrounded by her loving family.

Read more: Mum's tribute to brave teenage daughter after death from brain tumour

The Year 12 student at Lagan College was diagnosed with an extremely rare brain tumour a few years ago and underwent an operation and treatment but unfortunately the tumour returned last year.

Many tributes were paid following Julia's death including from Lagan College as the school community mourned the loss of "a shining star".

"Julia was an inspiration to all and taught us to live each day to the fullest, with a beaming smile. We have lost a shining star from our school community," the school said in a statement at the time.

Since Julia's untimely death, staff and pupils at Lagan College have been keeping her memory alive through fundraising.

Six teams of staff and pupils recently ran in the Belfast Marathon, in the name of their dear and much loved student, Julia and raised over £1,500 for a charity close to her heart, Cancer Fund for Children.

The runners who supported the Belfast City Marathon fundraising for Cancer Fund for Children in Julia's memory (Submitted)

Lagan College staff members, along with representatives from the Year 12 Vice Prefect Team, have also signed up to undertake a Macmillan Mighty Marathon Hike in memory of Julia and are fundraising for the charity to raise money for people living with cancer.

On June 24th, they will don their walking boots and embark on a 26 mile journey across hilly terrain and cliff paths.

Throughout their journey, they will carry fond memories of beloved student Julia, who did so much in her inspirational lifetime to raise funds for cancer charities.

Mrs Michele Mills, one of Julia's teachers said: "Julia is sorely missed. As her Head of Year and French teacher, I quite simply was inspired by her positivity and her amazing smile, even during such tough times."

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

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