Ella Roberta Foundation

Sadly, on February 15th 2013 Ella Kissi-Debrah, a pupil at Holbeach Primary School, died from breathing difficulties relating to her asthma.

The Ella Roberta Family Foundation has been set up as a positive way of remembering and celebrating the life and passions of Ella Kissi-Debrah.

Ella passed away suddenly on 15th February 2013 from an asthma attack. She was only 9. At the age of 6, Ella suddenly developed serious asthma. She was admitted to the children’s ward at Lewisham Hospital on numerous occasions throughout her young life. It was here that Ella, despite being sick, engaged in and pursued her love of reading and writing.

The foundation aims to:

  • Develop reading and learning facilities for children admitted to Lewisham Hospital.
  • Raise funds to promote asthma research in children.
  • Improve asthma awareness and prevention in Lewisham.

The foundation was launched on what would have been Ella’s 10th birthday on 24th January 2014.

Family Fundraiser Bike Ride and Picnic

On Sunday, several Holbeach families cycled 16 miles from Holbeach Primary School to the Thames Barrier and back to fundraise for the Ella Roberta Foundation. The youngest rider from Reception was only 5 years old! The group raised over £1100 which will fund a memorial bench for Ella on the ten year anniversary of her death.

Thank you to everyone for their support

Ella's Reading Corner

On Tuesday 5th March 2024, 'Ella's Reading Corner' was officially opened in our playground. Ella's mum, brother and sister came to the opening, while some of our School Councilors read poems.