Tributes pour in to Archway School pupil Leah Hook, 16

A much-loved helper at Barton End Stables in Nailsworth, Leah is being remembered as an amazing, kind-hearted young person who had a natural affinity with animals.

A sculpture of a horse is to be erected at the stables as a lasting tribute to Leah, who loved horses.

Paying tribute, Archway head teacher Colin Belford said: “We were so saddened to learn of the news about Leah, who was a lovely, kind-hearted and genuine girl who could make anyone smile and who brought fun to her friends.

“Leah was dedicated to her family, her friends and her animals all of whom she put before herself. She was proud to be an individual, loved her music and had her own sense of style. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends. She will be missed.”

Leah, who died on Good Friday, attended riding lessons at Barton End from the age of eight, becoming a volunteer soon after and then a paid worker.

Staff have organised a fundraising event including a bake sale and raffle to help pay for the sculpture, which will be made from horseshoes by Swindon-based Ben Lee, who used to teach Leah riding and knew her well.

Cheryl Bodenham, office manager at the stables, remembers her with great fondness.

“Leah had such an affinity with animals, it was quite incredible to watch,” she said.

“She used to look after the small animals here at the stables including rabbits and chickens, if any of them were sick she would take them home and look after them there until they were fit enough to return to the fold.

“She had such a calming influence on our horses and ponies especially the skittish ones.”

“She was such a lovely kind and gentle girl and the way she was with animals was very special.”

Barton End proprietor Abby Cooke knew Leah from a young age.

“I have known Leah since I started to teach her to ride in primary school, she was so enthusiastic that she spent all her spare time up here working,” she said.

“She was a beautiful girl very hardworking and dedicated to my animals.

“She ended up taking care of my children’s pets and showing them how to look after them properly and she was the primary carer for our petting animals.

“She always had a kind word to say and loved taking small children on their first pony rides, chatting to them to make them feel happy and safe.

“She always had a smile so it was even more heart-breaking to know that she was suffering inside and we didn’t know. Our thoughts are with her mum and dad and family at this time.”

Barton End Saturday manager Sophie Dennis praised Leah’s contribution at the stables.

She said: “Anyone who knew Leah at Barton End would know that you would always hear her before you saw her.

“Her music would be playing in her pocket as she bounced around the yard looking after the horses and small animals.

“Her affinity with all animals was incredible to watch and she always had a fantastic rapport with any horse whether she was in the saddle or on the ground.

“She was such a valued member of our Saturday team and she will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.”

Leah had many school friends at the stables, and they suggested the fundraising event.

It will take place from 10am on both Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14 and all are welcome.

It is hoped the sculpture, which will have a plaque bearing Leah’s name, will be ready in time for the fundraiser and there are plans to let off balloons on the Sunday. The Stirrup Cup pub in Bisley has offered to donate cakes but the majority will be made by staff and friends at the stables.

Enough money has already been raised to pay for the sculpture with the rest going to the Blue Cross animal charity in Cirencester, where Leah also volunteered.

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An inquest into Leah’s death has been opened and adjourned.

It is believed that she took her own life in Ash Road off Kitesnest Lane, Rodborough.

Anyone wanting to pay tribute to Leah can email sev@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk