FIVE Ipswich schoolchildren stunned by the tragedy which claimed the life of Anton Fox have rallied to his family's aid.Westbourne High pupils Kez Frederick, Holly Markwell, both aged 15 years, along with 14-year-old's Debbie Gilardi, Hannah Crick and Annie Hoang have donated £300 raised from a sponsored run.

By Amanda Cresswell

FIVE Ipswich schoolchildren stunned by the tragedy which claimed the life of Anton Fox have rallied to his family's aid.

Westbourne High pupils Kez Frederick, Holly Markwell, both aged 15 years, along with 14-year-old's Debbie Gilardi, Hannah Crick and Annie Hoang have donated £300 raised from a sponsored run.

It comes after fun-loving Anton was killed in a fire which ripped through his home on Marlow Road, which is the same road as their school.

The quintet read how in addition to Anton's death, the grieving family are also struggling to rebuild their lives after they lost virtually all their possessions in the blaze.

So after an earlier run held on November 15 in memory of former Westbourne pupil Claire Richie, the five had no hesitation in choosing where the money would go.

Holly said: "I work in Estate Stores on the corner of the Bennett Road and Bramford Lane and I know the little boy.

"It was very upsetting to hear about the fire. We wanted to help them and do something to make their lives better."

Eleven pupils and staff took part in the run and some of the teachers dressed up for the event.

The pupil's form teacher, John Awty, said: "I am really proud of the pupils. I was amazed when they handed over the ice-cream container with £300 in it."