A SCHOOL is to pay a poignant tribute to a much-loved headteacher following his tragic death in a cycling crash.
Jeremy Richardson, 61, was head at Beckfoot Thornton and the school community was left in shock following his death.
Emergency services were called to Byron Street, off Barkerend Road, at around 6.40am on June 22, where there had been a crash involving a vehicle and Mr Richardson, who was on a bicycle.
He was taken to hospital with serious injuries but sadly died.
A memorial will be held on Thursday, the last day of term, to reflect on his “remarkable contribution”.
A letter to families of pupils at the school from acting headteacher Sally Trusselle said: “On the last day of term, we are holding a memorial for Mr Richardson, headteacher, for current staff and students only.
“This will be an opportunity for our school community to reflect on his remarkable contribution to the lives of so many people.
“During period 3, students will be led down to the AstroTurf where they will line up in silence, as they do during a fire alarm practice.
“Memories of Mr Richardson will be shared and a period of silent reflection will be observed.
“In addition to our staff and students, we are expecting some of Mr Richardson’s family, friends and invited colleagues to be attending the memorial.
“We are confident that our students will represent the school and themselves positively, in both their behaviour and appearance - by following expectations, ensuring they look smart, and most importantly, showing Mr Richardson’s family the utmost respect during the memorial.”
The school said it was unable to open the invitation further to the wider community, but added that a fundraising page had been set up in his memory.
Money raised will be donated to children’s charity Barnardo’s.
Scores of tributes flooded into the Telegraph & Argus after the news of Mr Richardson’s death broke.
One message said: “Students, staff and parents all look to a head teacher to lead, a leader to be strong and confident, Jeremy Richardson did this with ease, but also with compassion and care which is the difference between been a good leader and a fantastic leader.
“He had time for everyone alike and what made him unique and special was how he would treat each individual the same regardless of whom that was.”
He became the headteacher at Beckfoot Thornton School initially on an interim basis in April 2017. He was appointed executive headteacher two years later.
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