STAFF and pupils at the John Masefield High School are in mourning this week following the death of a popular sixth former who, despite having a life-limiting illness, never stopped thinking of others who were bed-bound like herself.

As well as spearheading a successful fund-raising drive, Caitlin Ronan, aged 17, of Wellington Heath, who died last Thursday (November 17), was a talented mathematician, musician and actress, and warm tributes were paid to her this week by her headteacher, Andy Evans, who said: "Caitlin enjoyed taking part in many musical productions when younger, and had the most beautiful singing voice.

"She was a super actress who was determined to get the most out of her short and sometimes very difficult life."

He added: "Caitlin will be remembered as a very special young lady, who touched our hearts."

Last year, Caitlin launched a fund-raising drive to provide a high-tech "Eye Gaze" system not only for herself but for others, and in this she succeeded admirably, having raised almost £33,000 by the time of her death, last Thursday.

This is enough for five "Eye Gaze" systems, which are made by the Malvern-based company, Smartbox, and which allow users to access the computer and television and send private phone calls and text messages from a bed, even if, like Caitlin, users can no longer use their arms and legs.

This is because Eye Gaze works through a clever system based on eye movement recognition.

Caitlin's back had effectively collapsed twice and immunoglobulin treatment, steroids and plasma exchange treatment had failed to stop the progression of her condition, which is called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and only effects around 500 people in the UK at any one time.

But Caitlin, in an interview with the Reporter last year said: "I am actually pretty happy. I actually feel very lucky, because I have been able to walk and do things that other people have not been able to."

In his statement, approved by Caitlin's family, Mr Evans said: "Caitlin had a life limiting condition and her teachers taught her A- Level accountancy, business and mathematics at her home.

"Caitlin was a strong mathematician and worked extremely hard to achieve excellent grades in her Year 12 examinations. She earned the respect of her teachers who cared for her immensely and provided stimulation and compassion in equal measures."

He added: "Caitlin will be remembered as a talented singer and actress who loved singing and musical theatre. She was a member of our Sixth Form Leadership Team and their charity committee. Caitlin earned the respect of the entire community through her wonderful work raising many thousands of pounds to purchase Eye Gaze technology for people in similar circumstances to her own.

"This work gave her the opportunity to form strong friendships with our students, who often visited her house to enjoy film nights, make-up sessions and lots of fun."

Mr Evans said: "Caitlin's suffering is now at an end and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to her parents, Louise and Sean and her elder sister Lucy."