A 'symbol of resilience, community and hope' for two lives lost too soon

A COMMUNITY has come together to unveil a tribute to two young lives lost far too soon, as Lois McCarthy reports

- Lois McCarthy

DAVID EJIMOFOR and Preston Camps, both 15-year-old students at St Joseph's Comprehensive School in Port Talbot, are now remembered through a striking mural on the wall of the school gym; a space that has since been lovingly renamed in their honour.

David passed away in June 2023 after getting into difficulty in the sea at Aberavon Beach. Just six months later, on Boxing Day, Preston died following a motorcycle accident.

The loss of both boys, described by staff as "humble", "kind" and deeply loved - left a lasting impact on the school community.

Now, two years on, that same community has come together to pay tribute in the most fitting of ways.

Last Friday, staff, friends, and family gathered in the newly dedicated gym to reveal the mural: a vibrant, personal portrait of the boys in the space they would have loved.

The painting depicts David and Preston, along with the quote: "Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable."

"It was a suggestion from staff and friends to do something in memory of the boys," said senior assistant headteacher, Steve Jones.

"We knew they were both sporty, so the gym felt like the natural place to have a tribute. But this wasn't just about finding a wall - it's been a long time in the making."

The idea first took shape in the months following Preston's death. The school began exploring ways to fund the project, eventually launching a number of fundraising efforts.

"One of the most successful was Fitness for a Cause; a daylong event where students and friends of David and Preston pushed themselves physically in honour of the boys. The event raised thousands and brought the idea to life," said Steve.

Once funding was secured, the school reached out to the boys' families to decide on images for the mural.