Mother of killed former Archway School pupil, Jody Dobrowski, thanks SNJ readers for messages

Articulating the thoughts of her family, Sheri Dobrowski wrote: "This correspondence has been immensely helpful in trying to come to terms with Jody's brutal death.

"The thought that Jody left so many people with happy and fond memories has warmed our hearts at a time of such shock and horror. We are convinced Jody would want us to heal - to not waste our lives in anger.

"You and your readers have kindly helped us in that process and for that we are very thankful."

*Anyone wanting to share their thoughts of Jody can email them to the SNJ at snjnews@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk They will be posted on our website at www.thisisstroud.com

Emails received this week:

*Jody used to work for us at the Ship Inn in Framilode whilst he was at school. We were really shocked to hear that he was the victim of this horrific crime. He was a really lovely guy, and everyone liked to work with him.

He always had a big grin on his face and was one of the people who we were really happy to have known while we were there. We wanted to send our heartfelt condolences to his family, and close friends.

We shall be watching with interest to see if the police make any progress with the prosecution, and hope that justice can be done. Words cannot describe how sad we feel for you.

This if from Hartwig and Debbie, Joan and John, James and Charlie who all remember Jody with fondness.

*I just wanted to add to what other people have already said so eloquently - that Jody was a fantastic person, and a great positive influence. My memories of him will be the combination of how full of energy he was and how gentle he was.

It is really hard to express the deep sympathy I have for his closest friends, but my thoughts are with them, and his family. I only hope that the great shock and sadness that so many people clearly feel will translate into actions which mean that senseless acts like this can be prevented in the future.

Gina Mills

*This is such a devastating waste of a truly wonderful guy. I've not seen Jody much since I left school. He was one of the good ones.

I always hoped I would bump into when back in Stroud. I cant think of anyone that didn't like Jody. My memories of him are mostly funny ones with loads of laughing involved.

I am so sorry this has happened. He was a really special person who just shouldn't have been taken away.

Kathryn Bayly

*I knew Jody well at school he was always a fun loving out going guy who always had a smile. I was shocked and appalled when I heard of his brutal murder the weekend just passed.

No one deserves to leave this world in that way especially someone like Jody. Although I have not seen him for a good few years I remember him like it was only yesterday.

The last time I saw him he was full of joy like he so often was, we were in what was stroud bus station if I remember correctly talking about what was going to be his new life , all was on the up and up.

I'd like to pass my sincere sorrow and sadness to his family especially his mum, dad and brother Jake who I also knew well from my Archway days with Jody.

My thoughts are with them all in what must be a very difficult time. One thing you can be sure of is he'll never be forgotten.

Respectfully David Bayley-Ryan

*I was at Archway with Jody and like the entire nation, I am horrified and shocked by this devastating unprovoked attack.

He was such a popular guy, who will be remembered as being extremely kind natured, intelligent, sweet and funny...always making people laugh.

As well as being missed by his family and many friends, without a doubt Jody is also in the thoughts of hundreds of people who new him at Archway.

My sincere condolences go to his family and close friends.

Lizzie Mellish

*I would like to add my feelings to those that have already expressed their shock and great sadness concerning the killing of Jody Dobrowski.

I grew up in Stroud and feel very privilaged to be able to say that a lot of my growing up was done with Jody. Throughout this time I learned first hand what makes a genuine friend, someone who has no false qualities about them and is interested only in seeing those close to them for what they are. I have no doubt in my mind that those that met Jody will have come away thinking what an articulate, funny, friendly person he was. He taught me so much and even though I had not seen him for a number of years, talking to him before I left England felt like we were back at school.

I'm struggling to understand how anyone could take it upon themselves to physically harm someone because of their lifestyle. There is no place for this behaviour or thought in our society and it is down to each and every one of us to prevent a tragedy like this from reoccuring. As Jake said those that did this will never know the pain and anguish they have caused. Jody had so much to achieve and it speaks volumes that so many are grieving his death, he touched all of our lives and should not have been taken away from us.

My deepest sympathies go to Jody's family and those that were close to him, I know that no words can replace Jody or heal the pain that you must be feeling now. But I for one feel that my life was influenced by Jody and I know that many many others feel the same and will continue to remember all those happy times and the young man from Poland with an insatiable appetite for life.

Trevor Brinkman