Staff Who Tried To Save Kiera Praised

27 May 2016, 19:17 | Updated: 27 May 2016, 19:21

The family of a 14-year-old girl who died after falling ill during a PE lesson has praised school staff for "giving her a fighting chance''.

Kiera Beagle was airlifted to hospital from Calderhead High School in Shotts, North Lanarkshire, at about 2.30pm on Thursday but died a short time later.

Her grandmother, Elaine Black, said in a statement: "Our family would like to pass on our thanks to everyone at the school, especially to the staff who gave our lovely Kiera a fighting chance.

"We would also like to thank the police, ambulance and hospital staff for their professionalism and kind support.

"Our thoughts are with Kiera's many friends; we know how sad they will be at this devastating news.''

Flowers have been left at the gates of Calderhead in tribute and the school said pupils will be able to use counselling services over the bank holiday weekend.

Headteacher John Robertson said: "Everyone within our school community is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of one of our pupils, Kiera Beagle.

"At this time all our thoughts and sympathy go out to her family and friends.

"Kiera will be remembered very fondly by pupils and staff. She made a highly positive contribution to the school and was doing well in all her subjects. Kiera especially liked writing and illustrating books.

"She was a popular and valued member of our school community, especially among her group of close friends.

"We will provide our young people at Calderhead with our full support to help them this most difficult time.''

The school has opened a book of condolences.

A fundraising page set up by local DJ James Allan has raised more than £1,500, which he said would go to "help her family in any way it can''.

Emergency services were called to the school at about 2.30pm and the 14-year-old was airlifted to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow where she died.

Police Scotland they responded to reports of a teenager having been "taken unwell''.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "The death is being treated as unexplained, however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

''A post-mortem will be carried out in due course to establish the exact cause of death and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.''

Airdrie and Shotts MSP Alex Neil said he was "shocked'' at the death.

He added: "My thoughts are with her family and friends.''

Jim Robertson, provost of North Lanarkshire, said: "This is a tragic event which will be felt across the entire community of Shotts.

"I'd like to pay tribute to all the staff at Calderhead High School whose professionalism has shone through during this difficult time. Many of them turned up to school today, despite it being a holiday, to offer pupils their care and support.

"My thoughts are with Kiera's friends and family.''