Thomas Elliott’s Fund

Thomas Elliott died tragically on Friday 3rd March 2006 after a ten-year-long struggle with schizophrenia. He lived in Lewes since he was 8 years old with his younger brother and parents, and attended Wallands and Priory Schools.

Despite the beginnings of the illness he obtained very good A-levels and attended a term at Kent University. He became so ill that he had several periods in hospital but tried all the time to live independently in the community. He was very interested in photography and films, taking courses at the local college and university.

He really wanted to explain to everyday people what it was like to live with schizophrenia. So in his last few years he embarked upon a major project which involved the writing of a film script which he dearly hoped would be made into a film, thus achieving his aim of raising awareness of the condition of schizophrenia and its effect on the individual.

It is part of the nature of the illness for one to experience alienation, isolation and perceived rejection by the community. In the end, the long struggle and lack of improvement in his condition led him to take a brave and considered decision. He was an affectionate, sweet and lovely person who was much loved and will be much missed.