Pupils and teachers gather to remember inspirational teacher

MORE than 100 people celebrated the life of an inspirational teacher who died earlier this year.

Staff, students and parents from The Meridian School gathered at the school for a memorial evening to honour Paul Bushell.

Mr Bushell, who taught English at the school, died suddenly in July. The 42-year-old had a brain tumour.

The evening saw guests share memories, fun and laughter, with a variety of performances put on that included songs, stories and a tap-dance routine.There was also footage of a short student film Mr Bushell acted in, as well as recordings of his performances singing Mac the Knife in the annual Meridian Live on the Line end of term concert.

Crazy Dog, Mr Bushell’s former band, were the headline act on the night.

Dr Michael Firth, headteacher at The Meridian School, said: “The evening consisted of a wide range of emotions from laughter to profound sadness and brought people together in a way that Paul himself would have appreciated.”

A collection on the night raised �135 for the Brain Tumour Charity, and fundraising is still ongoing.

A snake bark maple tree in the teacher’s memory was also planted near H Block at the school, in Garden Walk, by his father.

Described by Dr Firth as “a good colleague with a dry wit and a duty of care for his students, who he would go the extra mile for,” Mr Bushell’s body was discovered at his home in Cambridge on July 30.