Camden News: Zarine Rentia | South Camden Community School (SCCS) | cherry blossom tree

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Camden News - by SIMON WROE
Published: 2 April 2009

Zarine Rentia

One year on, pals remember Zarine

IN the grounds of South Camden Community School (SCCS) in Somers Town, a young cherry blossom tree is just starting to bud, writes Simon Wroe.
It was planted a year ago to mark the tragic death of Zarine Rentia, a 15-year-old pupil at the school who died fighting deportation and a one-in-a-million genetic condition.
Many students have moved on to sixth-form colleges now, but friends and teachers promised this week they would never forget Zarine’s bravery.
Said Omerdin, 17, said: “You are still in our hearts and you always will be. No matter what your struggles you still managed to put a smile on your face everyday.”
Although suffering from Fanconi-Bickel Syndrome, an ultra-rare disease that left her with serious and irreversible health problems, Zarine was an excellent pupil who wanted one day to become a surgeon, according to her head of year teacher, Chandu Hirani.
The school now gives a Zarine Rentia Award for Academic Excellence every year to the pupil who gets the highest GCSE results.
“She was in my maths class and she was always one step ahead. Her legacy is striving for excellence. She always looked on the bright side and she fought a cause,” said Mr Hirani.
Immigration officers demanded Zarine was deported when her visa expired. She and her mother fought the ruling but it proved to be one battle too far.
Her condition deteriorated rapidly and she was flown back to India to die with her family.

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