STAFF and pupils from Kinson Academy took part in Race for Life in memory of their governor Nigel Tiller, who died earlier this year from kidney cancer.

Participants ran, jogged and walked 3,261 laps of the school field, which equated to the length of Bournemouth to Disneyland Paris, on Thursday, May 27.

Each class had an allocated slot and, through their efforts, raised £2,038.

Nigel, a former pupil himself, was a governor for 25 years at Kinson Academy and attended meetings right up until the week before he died.

Kinson Academy has said that he "always wanted the best for Kinson and was proud of the families and local community support."

Nigel's son Tom, the school's Enrichment Coordinator said: "I was proud of all the children and staff for raising money and taking part in this amazing event in memory of dad.

"He often supported the school sports teams and when he was alive he would have completed a few laps himself despite being poorly.

"Throughout his illness he was resilient and positive and Race For Life allowed us to be the same. The day was joyful and fun which is so important following the restrictions of the national lockdowns.

"It was good to see everyone active, physically and mentally, and it was a brilliant challenge for the school."

Alongside 35 staff and 231 students, members of Nigel's immediate family, including his three young grandchildren, also added to the total laps in support of the event.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions the event was not public but parents and friends were able to watch through the fence on Poole Lane.

Nigel's widow and Kinson Academy staff member, Jan Tiller said: "It was an emotional but amazing day and a fitting memorial for Nigel and his dedication and support for the school and local community over the years.

"I saw an advert for Race for Life for schools and I thought that this would be a perfect way to remember him and raise vital funds for Cancer Research.

"We were lucky throughout Nigel's cancer journey to receive very expensive drugs and treatment and know firsthand what great work is done by Cancer Research to find better treatments and cures for this awful illness.

"He would have been very proud of each and every pupil and member of staff for taking part in the whole school event and the brilliant atmosphere celebrating his life and dedication to the school and community."