As a fitting tribute to a good friend of St Mary's RC Primary School, a 'purple day' was held to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer UK charity along with a new memorial bench.
Michael Manning died on May 26, 2013 at the age of 64. He had close links with the school, providing sports kit for the students and also running the barbecue at school fetes.
Students on the school council decided that they should all wear purple on the fund-raising day, with proceeds being split between the charity and also to fund a new memorial 'buddy bench' for the school playing field; which is hoped to be positioned where Mr Manning ran his barbecue.
Mr Manning had three children named Lucy, Thomas and Jade who were all students St Mary's RC Primary School at some stage.
Helen Ward, who helps guide the students on the school council, said the day was a 'lovely way for the children to remember Mr Manning' and the support he gave the school.
'It went really well, it was sea of purple which was amazing to see,' she said.
'We want to install a memorial bench as he has done so much for our school. All of the children enjoyed it; they all had smiles on their faces as they dressed in various shades of purple.'
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