Thousands raised to continue work of 'inspirational teacher Simon'
Around 40 people took part in The Royal Park Half Marathon on Sunday to raise money for the Simon Flynn Educational Foundation
Last updated 9th Oct 2023
More than £17,000 was raised at the weekend for a foundation set up in memory of an inspirational teacher from Charlton Kings - as his family pledge to continue his work.
Simon Flynn, 42, drowned while paddleboarding in August 2020, and his best friend Sam Foyle has since successfully campaigned for safety changes in the sport, with a major summit planned for next month.
The foundation - set up by Simon's family - aims to help support youngsters in education across Gloucestershire and eventually beyond.
Simon's sister Victoria said the foundation will 'keep his legacy alive'.
She said: "Simon was the most compassionate person and he always had a desire to help those in need. I'm told that he was an absolutely amazing and inspirational teacher.
"He did such amazing work with children, and we thought if we could continue that it would be best the best way to honour his life - and I guess the impact that he had on others.
"We set about forming a board of trustees and going through the process of setting up the charity The Simon Flynn Educational Foundation.
"The core aim of the charity is to remove any barriers for children to access education and thrive.
"What we do as a charity is provide funding for educational services, equipment, facilities - anything that we can do to allow a child to thrive in the classroom and continue the vital work that Simon was so passionate about.
"Currently we're working with schools predominantly in the Gloucestershire area, in particular a school that he used to work at. We will potentially look to expand this over time and we've done some fantastic work with them so far.
"Last year we were able to fund the provision of extra curricular music lessons in the Summer term - which most of the children would not have had been able to access previously.
"We are also currently looking at the provision of a specialist speech and language therapist going into the school for two days a week which will really help with behavioural issues and various other issues.
"If we can have any part in helping a child overcome obstacles to access education - which he was so passionate about - giving a fair-even-playing-field for all, then we are absolutely delighted to be any part of this."
Around 38 people took part in The Royal Park Half Marathon on Sunday, with money raised now supporting a variety of projects by the foundation
To support the foundation click here