A NEW minibus dedicated to the memory of a devoted fundraiser has been delivered to a special needs school in Poole.

Graeme’s Minibus, named in honour of Graeme Hunt, was unveiled at Langside School for children with profound and multiple disabilities on Friday.

The £58,000 especially-adapted vehicle was purchased following more than two years of fundraising at the school, including donations and special events.

Among the biggest supporters were Graeme and Janet Hunt, who, along with the group Charity Folk, raised more than £80,000 for the school over the years, donating the proceeds and collections raised at their performances.

Deputy head teacher at the school Paul Humphreys said: “He was absolutely devoted to the school and constantly working hard to support us over the years. You can’t imagine the lift in morale it gave to have someone who doesn’t even work at the school doing their best for you.

“We really can’t do enough to acknowledge the special relationship the school had with him – but this is something we can do and we’re glad to do it.”

The new minibus – which has been adapted with a lift, hoist and wheelchair clamps to make it safe and comfortable for up to six children – will make an enormous difference, added Paul.

He added: “We can take the children to places of interest and to meet other children from mainstream schools. We are constantly trying to stimulate them and give them a breadth of experience. It is good for them – and for the wider community as well.”

The new minibus was launched by Graeme’s wife Janet. She said: “I think he would have been delighted and honoured by it.

“He enjoyed Charity Folk and was very much the backbone of it all.”

Graeme helped raise £85,000 for children with special needs after starting Charity Folk with his wife in 1995. The former head teacher at Bournemouth’s Linwood School spent his working life with children with special needs – and continued to support them during his retirement.

“He was fundraising for the new minibus when he died, aged 67, in November 2011, suffering with motor neurone disease.