A group of Catford schoolchildren have created a touching tribute to fellow pupil and asthma sufferer Ella Roberta Kissi-Debrah who died from breathing difficulties at just nine years old.

Alongside a plaque, the 1,000 paper cranes have been hung inside a specially designed case outside the children’s ward at the University Hospital Lewisham where Ella was treated before she died in 2013.

The official memorial to Ella was unveiled by Lewisham Councillor Damien Egan to mark World Asthma Day on May, 3.

The installation was made by Holbeach Primary School pupils Maggie Gregory, Alexandra Ambrozy, Hebe Hutchinson, Eva Rabin-Holmes and Lola Kastner who said they were excited to see the unveiling.

They said: “We made the cranes in memory of Ella who went to our school.

“It took us 2-3 months and we worked in our lunch breaks and after school to finish them as our deadline was World Asthma Day.

“To raise money people sponsored us to include a note on the crane so our teachers, pupils and parents wrote messages.

“Some were about Ella, their own family and others were messages of hope.”

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Ella Roberta Kissi-Debrah​ with her mum Rosamund.

Ella’s mum Rosamund Kissi-Debrah​, said she hopes the creation gives comfort to children who visit the hospital.

She said: “It is amazing to have so many friends and supporters come along to their unveiling as it shows how highly thought of Ella was and that people care.

“Her strength touched so many and she was passionate about the hospital and the staff who work there who cared for her.”

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Robert Cole, Matron for Children’s Acute Services, added: “In recognition of World Asthma Day we felt it a fitting memorial to unveil these colourful cranes as a permanent feature outside the children’s ward so that children, families can reflect on their significance.”