Copyright walesonline
A school has paid tribute to a teaching assistant who was found dead. Angela Shellis was found near football fields in Prestatyn on Friday, October 24. Her son, Tristan Thomas Roberts, aged 18, of Coniston Drive, Prestatyn, has since been charged with her murder and appeared at Mold Crown Court on Monday morning. A trial is set to take place next year. Ms Shellis was employed as a teaching assistant at Rhyl High School , with pupils returning to the school today after half term. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here Headteacher Philip Collins described Ms Shellis as "caring and committed", assuring that support would be available for pupils as they return to school, NorthWalesLive reports. In a letter sent to parents over the half term, he said: "It is with a sense of deep shock and sadness that I write to you having learnt of the death of our staff member Angela Shellis. Angela was a valued member of staff, who joined the Rhyl High team in 2023 and was a caring and committed teaching assistant. "We are deeply upset as a school community and hold Angela's family and friends foremost in our thoughts, as they try to come to terms with their loss. We understand that your child may be shocked and upset by this news, particularly if they worked closely with Angela. "On our return to school on Monday we will plan to support both staff and pupils in coming to terms with this news, using our own pastoral teams and support from Denbighshire 's educational psychology service, young persons counselling service and education welfare service. "I am confident that our caring school community will come together over the next days and weeks to support Angela's family, and to support each other through this very sad time." Thousands of pounds have been raised in Ms Shellis's memory after a Gofundme was set up to support the family. The fund will support costs towards her funeral and memorial as well as raising money for mental health and autism charities. Her sister Sarah Gunther said last week: "As a family we are heartbroken that Angela passed away so tragically on Friday, October 24. She was only 45 years old and such a lovely, happy person and loved by anyone who met her. "She had a heart full of love and kindness, always putting others before herself. Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss. "We are now trying to give her the funeral and memorial she deserves. Any amount, no matter how small, will make a difference and mean the world to us. "Any remaining money we would like to donate to a charity for mental health and autism. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help us reach others who may want to support. "Thank you from the bottom of hearts for your kindness, love and prayers during this difficult time. We will forever cherish Angela's memory and keep her spirit alive in everything we do. With love and thanks, Sarah and family."
