A FUNDRAISER in memory of three teachers at a Maldon school achieved its goal following a successful challenge.

A total of £1263.73 has been raised by parents, carers, students and staff members at Maldon Plume Academy.

Teachers Craig Farrow and Rob Howlett organised a fundraiser in memory of teachers Matt Preece, Mandy McGee, and Ade Onakomaiya who all died after a battle with cancer.

Participants were given the challenge of covering the distance of 308 miles - which is the distance between Bude and Maldon.

But they ended up completing a total of 549 miles in memory of the three teachers.

Bude was the location where former business teacher and faculty leader Matt Preece moved to before he died in February 2023.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Students- participants at the fundraiserStudents- participants at the fundraiser (Image: Plume Academy)

Mandy McGee, English teacher and faculty leader died in August 2022 and maths teacher Ade Onakomaiya in June 2023.

The funds raised will be split between The David Randall Foundation for Matt, Fair Havens Hospice for Mandy and MacMillan Cancer for Ade.

Organisers Craig and Rob said: “All colleagues were well-respected members of Plume Academy and will be greatly missed.

“The bikes and treadmill were placed in our Memorial Garden at our Fambridge Road site and ready to go, despite the drizzle, by 8am.

“The music was playing, the miles were racking up, and the atmosphere and the sense of community was superb and we were joined throughout the day by many colleagues and students, who helped us contribute to the overall total.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Support- Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale at the fundraiserSupport- Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale at the fundraiser (Image: Plume Academy)

“Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale even stopped by to show his support.

“The 308 miles was eventually passed around 2pm, but we carried on and those colleagues who could not partake on the day contributed in other ways, such as our Year 9 staff and students on a PGL trip to North Devon contributing 146 miles.

“Other colleagues ran, cycled, and walked in their own time to help us contribute to our grand total of 549 miles, far exceeding our target.

“It was a fantastic day and a wonderful way to remember three wonderful friends and teachers. We hope to organise more events in the future, hopefully in better circumstances.”