Tributes have been paid following the passing of one of Banbridge “strongest and bravest” teenagers.
Sarah Eakin was just 16 years old when she passed away on Saturday (June 7) at the Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children.
Described by many as “just the most beautiful girl”, Sarah’s light filled every room she entered.
Tributes paid to the former Dromore High School pupil describe her as “bubbly, fun-loving” and “incredibly brave”.
It was her unwavering bravery – carried throughout her battle with leukaemia – that earned the admiration of all who knew and loved her.
Like many girls her age, she enjoyed a number of hobbies, including netball and horse riding – sports she was heavily involved with at school.
She was also delighted to get dressed to the nines and attend her high school formal.
Paying tribute to the young woman they were able to support, Angel Wishes said: “Angel Wishes is truly devastated to learn about the passing of our wonderful young Sarah, a beautiful girl inside and out.
“Sarah touched us all with her love for her wonderful family and her beautiful German Shepherd, Holly – her forever faithful friend.
“Sarah wanted more than anything to attend her school formal, and she looked absolutely stunning and so happy.
“Out of total respect for Sarah’s family, Angel Wishes will refrain from any further posts until after Sarah is laid to rest.
“Fly high, beautiful Sarah. I will never forget you.”
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Governors, staff and pupils of Dromore High School, a representative said their sixth form next year will be “poorer for her absence”.
Describing their inspirational and dedicated student, the school said: “Over the past weekend, the Governors, staff and students of Dromore High were informed of the death of one of our Year 12 pupils, Sarah Eakin. Sarah had an interest in netball and equestrian sport, representing the school on the netball court and as part of the equestrian team – an interest she shared with her dad.
“Sarah was diagnosed with leukaemia in Year 11 and missed most of her studies that year. Keen to keep up with her classwork, Sarah observed some of her lessons remotely via a special robot camera supplied by the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity.
“She underwent treatment and received a positive prognosis in the summer of 2024, enabling her to return to school in September 2024. Once back at school for Year 12, Sarah made it her mission to catch up on missed studies, taking extra lessons with staff who willingly gave their time after school hours.
“Sarah clearly enjoyed being part of the Dromore High family again. Despite her illness, she endeavoured to attend the school formal in March, where she enjoyed a night with her closest friends – who we know will miss her dearly. Her attitude throughout this school year was always positive, and her approach to her illness was never to make a fuss or seek special treatment. Observing Sarah at school, one would not have realised she had been unwell.
“An aspiration to study A-levels was firmly in Sarah’s sights throughout this year, a goal she held onto until her final days. Our sixth form next year will be the poorer for her absence.
“The loss to our school family is made more difficult because at the start of Year 12, we saw Sarah return to school with high hopes that her illness was behind her. Sadly, this was not to be.
“In her final weeks, Sarah faced her terminal diagnosis with incredible bravery, fortitude, and a maturity that many could only aspire to. Her steadfastness during illness – and especially in her final weeks – has been truly inspirational. For that, and for her many other exceptional qualities, we will remain deeply proud of Sarah.
“Our thoughts now turn to Sarah’s family, who are enduring the pain of her loss. We will of course be praying for Sarah’s dad Geoff, her mum Joanne, her brother James, and the wider family circle in the coming days.”
“Sarah is the second Year 12 pupil in Dromore High to pass away this academic year, which has made 2024–2025 an incredibly challenging time for pupils, staff, and the wider school family. We deeply appreciate the support of the Critical Incident Team from the Education Authority, along with the efforts of our pastoral staff and outside agencies, who have supported many of us throughout this difficult year.
‘The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in Him.’ – Nahum 1:7”
Sharing their condolences, another mourner wrote: “I can’t begin to imagine the pain you, as a family, are going through with the loss of such a beautiful young woman – though I know in your eyes, she was still your baby girl.
“How to cope with her loss, I can’t tell you, but be assured that I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, and trust that you will learn to live and find comfort with her in your heart, where she will live forever.
“May God rest her gentle soul.”
A death notice described Sarah as the cherished and much-loved daughter of Geoff and Joanne, beloved sister of James, and loving granddaughter of Winnie, Iris, Jim and the late Nat.
A service to celebrate Sarah’s life took place yesterday (Tuesday, June 10) at Scarva Street Presbyterian Church, followed by a private family cremation.
Donations in lieu of flowers are being gratefully received in support of Angel Wishes and Young Lives vs Cancer.
