Askham Bryan College honours Mariella Rose during Dyslexia Awareness Week with dedication of Peace rose 

College pays lasting tribute to much-loved Uniformed Public Services student while supporting her legacy of greater understanding and opportunity for young people with dyslexia 

Askham Bryan College has honoured the memory of Uniformed Public Services student Mariella Rose, who tragically died in a road traffic accident earlier this year aged 17, with the planting of a yellow Peace rose at its York campus. 

Staff, students, teachers and friends gathered during Dyslexia Awareness Week to remember Mariella, celebrate the impact she made during her time at the College and recognise the legacy now being continued in her name through the Mariella Rose Foundation. 

Mariella was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 14. Her diagnosis became an important moment in her life and gave her greater understanding and confidence in herself. 

A student remembered for kindness, determination and ambition 

Mariella was studying for a Level 3 qualification in Uniformed Public Services and hoped to build a future career in policing. 

Alongside her studies, she was a Volunteer Police Cadet and worked part-time, while still finding time to support her friends and fellow students.

Speaking about receiving her Dyslexia diagnosis, Mariella said: 

“I was relieved, as if they had said I didn’t have dyslexia I would go through life thinking, what is wrong with me?” 

Mariella became passionate about equality and about challenging misconceptions surrounding dyslexia. As a student representative at Askham Bryan College, Mariella also campaigned to ensure appropriate support and greater understanding were in place for dyslexic thinkers. 

Dr Tim Whitaker, Principal and Chief Executive of Askham Bryan College, said: 

“Mariella was a valued member of the Askham Bryan College community, studying on our Level 3 Uniformed Public Services course and aspiring to a career in policing. She was hardworking, kind and was always willing to help and support others. 

“Mariella was also part of the police cadets, balancing this with her studies and a part-time job. 

“The College community was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Mariella as she touched the lives of many during her time with us, and we are proud to see her memory honoured through the efforts of her friends at the college who recently took on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge to support the work of the Mariella Rose Foundation. 

“To remember Mariella, we have planted a yellow rose as a lasting tribute. She will always remain part of the Askham Bryan College family.” 

Mariella’s teachers remembered a young woman whose warmth, energy and generosity made a lasting impression. 

They said: 

“Mariella was a truly wonderful student whose kindness, warmth and bubbly personality touched everyone around her. She always took the time to support others, offering encouragement, friendship and a smile whenever it was needed.” 

Mariella was also a valued member of the College netball team, representing Askham Bryan with dedication and enthusiasm. Her teachers remember her determination to improve, her ambition and her desire always to produce the very best work she could. 

They added: 

“Mariella’s presence brought light to our community, and her memory will remain in our thoughts and hearts for many years to come. In her honour, we are planting a yellow rose named Peace; a fitting tribute to someone who brought so much kindness, comfort and joy to those around her. Mariella will never be forgotten.” 

Mariella’s enthusiasm for life is also remembered by the friends who studied alongside her. 

Fellow student David Shaw said: 

“Mariella had an amazing attitude. If we had an idea of a challenge, she would be the first to say, ‘Let’s do it.’ She would always say, ‘You have to do it, you don’t know if you will get the chance again!’ Those words will now, under the circumstances, stay with me.” 

That determination to embrace opportunities and encourage others is now becoming part of the legacy being created in Mariella’s name.

The planting of the Peace rose provides a permanent reminder of Mariella at a College where she studied, played netball, supported others and began working towards the career in policing that she hoped to pursue. 

Its yellow flowers also provide a fitting reflection of a young woman remembered by those who knew her for her warmth, energy, kindness and ability to bring light into the lives of others. 

The Mariella Rose Foundation 

The Mariella Rose Foundation exists to advance equality of opportunity for young people with dyslexia by reducing the financial and social barriers to diagnosis, support and achievement. 

A formal dyslexia diagnosis can provide a young person with clarity and confidence, as well as evidence to help secure reasonable adjustments through education, training and employment. 

However, professional assessment is privately funded in many circumstances and can cost around £500, placing it beyond the reach of some families and educational settings. 

The Foundation aims to continue Mariella’s legacy through initiatives including: 

• Diagnosis grants – supporting low-income families and working with school SEND teams to help young people access formal dyslexia assessments. 

• Mariella Meet-Ups – creating opportunities for young people, including those with dyslexia, to meet, share experiences, build confidence and connect with one another. 

• Mentoring support – developing access to mentoring so young people can find help relevant to their stage of education, training or employment. 

The Rising Star Award – recognising young people in the workplace who demonstrate Mariella’s values and behaviours. Humberside Police is implementing the award in 2027 to recognise a young serving police officer or volunteer within the force.

Fundraising and further information:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mariella-rose-foundation