In honour of the late and dearly missed James Black, a cherished member of both our school and the local community, who passed away in October. James touched the lives of many with his warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit. To celebrate his memory, MBMS is creating a special space at school where students can come together, connect, and build lasting friendships—just as James always encouraged.
To help make this tribute a reality, several fundraising activities are being organised.
One of these is a 12-hour sponsored football match, a tribute to James’ passion for the sport and his enthusiasm on the pitch. This continuous event will run from 6am to 6pm on Friday, 24th April, offering a fun and meaningful challenge for everyone involved.
James Black’s memory is treasured by all who knew him, and together with his family, friends, and the wider community, we hope to create a space at school that reflects his love for friendship and the joy he found in sport. James brought energy, humour, and kindness wherever he went, and football was just one of the many ways he connected with others. Through these efforts, we honour his spirit and continue to build the sense of community he valued so much.
If you are able, we would be very grateful for any donations you can give.
For those attending MBMS, this can be done through the Gateway app.
Alternatively, the office at Marden Bridge Middle School will gratefully collect any cash donations.
To raise funds to support the creation of this area, a range of events will take place, including:
● Preloved book sale - pupils to donate a book from home that could be used for a pop-up book sale.
● 12-hour sponsored 3v3 indoor football match
● Football Aid - A football match to be played with a raffle to raise funds.
● MBMS v local community.
● Ice Pop event - during the summer term, pupils during break time will have the opportunity to purchase ice pops.
Memorial Fundraiser
Marden Bridge Middle School
Petition
To support us further, we would ask if you could sign a petition for mandatory ECG scanning for children aged 14. James's sister, Jocelyn, is encouraging us all to sign the petition so that this can be progressed. The words she sent to her teachers at WBHS are below.
My name is Jocelyn Black, and I am a year 13 student. I don't know if you are aware, but my 12-year-old brother James Black passed away suddenly, after suffering a cardiac arrest at school (MBMS) in October 2025.
I am emailing you regarding a petition that has been started and requires collecting signatures for a mandatory ECG scan of children aged 14. If it receives 10,000 signatures, the government will respond to this petition - and 100,000 signatures will mean it can be considered in parliament. I have attached the link for the petition for your information.
This ECG may have detected my brother's undiagnosed cardiac problem, and by introducing this screening, it will undoubtedly protect children and prevent this tragedy and heartbreak from happening to many other families.
I would like to ask if you could potentially let friends and family know about this petition and encourage them to sign it, or even possibly put it in a newsletter, or however information could be spread further afield.
I understand that you will be tremendously busy, but I would be very grateful if you could inform people about this really important cause!
Thank you for your time,
Jocelyn Black
Fund cardiac screening at age 14 years and cardiac awareness programme - Petitions
It would be very much appreciated if we could all support Jocelyn at this time.