A FRIENDSHIP bench today marks the memory of a ten-year-old Ipswich boy who died suddenly on a flight to Dubai.The bench was placed in the playground of Sidegate Primary School after an assembly was held to celebrate Jamil Rhaman's life.

A FRIENDSHIP bench today marks the memory of a ten-year-old Ipswich boy who died suddenly on a flight to Dubai.

The bench was placed in the playground of Sidegate Primary School after an assembly was held to celebrate Jamil Rahman's life.

Jamil died on April 3 just 30 minutes before the Biman Bangladesh Airways flight he was on was due to land in Dubai.

He was with his mother Ruhela Begum, 25, his brother Jabir, eight, and his 18-month-old sister, Summayyah.

The family were on their way to see relatives in Bangladesh at the time.

Andrew Waterman, headteacher at the school, said: “We wanted to celebrate the life of Jamil, a lively and happy boy.

“There were about 350 pupils, teachers and parents who attended and it was a very special day.

“Pupils made up a book with memories and drawings of Jamil and myself and another teacher did a slide show of events with him at the school.”

Money was raised by those who attended to pay for the bench which was placed in the playground.

Those who feel lonely during break times at the school can sit on the bench with older members of the school on standby to come and chat to them.

Malik Rahman, Jamil's father, said: “It was wonderful to see such a good turn out and the book that the pupils had put together was very special.

“I have bought a restaurant in Crown Street and will be refurbishing it and re-opening it in Jamil's honour.

“It will be called Jamil's Koh-i-noor and the first few evenings will be fundraisers for both Ipswich Hospital and Addenbrooke's Hospital.”

The restaurant is due to be open in around seven week's time.

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