Deaf school gets new minibus in memory of ex-pupil

Deaf children at a school in Derby will now be able to enjoy day trips and excursions thanks to a new minibus funded in memory of a former pupil.

Elizabeth Corbett pledged to raise £60,000 to buy the bus for the Royal School for the Deaf Derby after her husband David died suddenly at the age of 51 in 2023.

She said she was informed of Mr Corbett's death over FaceTime because the paramedics could not use British Sign Language (BSL). At the time East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) said it was "deeply sorry".

The first outing for the new bus was to collect Mrs Corbett and her children to bring them to the school, where they received a warm welcome from pupils.

Mrs Corbett said she was inspired to fundraise after she heard the school's previous bus was being scrapped.

"It felt like a sign from David that we should try to replace it. He had loved his years at the school and especially school trips.

"So, to finally have the minibus here and to see how pleased all the children are, is wonderful.

"David would be so proud of us all and I hope that the children here now have happy memories of their time at the school, just as David did," she said.

Since her husband's death, Mrs Corbett has advocated for BSL training for emergency service workers.

The school has trained nine firefighters in Level 1 BSL, while 33 Derbyshire Police officers have been trained elsewhere in Level 1.

Mrs Corbett said she was at work when she received a distressed video call from her children to say her husband had fallen ill.

By the time Mrs Corbett got home, she said paramedics had arrived but could not communicate to her what had happened, for which EMAS has apologised.

Paul Burrows, head teacher of the school, said: "The generosity and dedication of David's family and the deaf community is really heart-warming.

"This new minibus will make a huge difference to our students, providing them with greater opportunities for learning and enrichment."

The new minibus is painted in the school's colours and has Mr Corbett's name printed on the side and the front.

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