AFTER the death of a popular teacher, school staff and students have raised £3,500 for research into the disease that killed him.

In January, Matt Guest, head of geography at Brentside High School, was diagnosed with a brain tumour. In April, he passed away, leaving behind his wife and two young children.

Head of Geography Matt Guest who tragically died in April from a brain tumour

Staff organised events to raise awareness of the disease, as well as raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research.

They hope to raise £5,000 and are just £1,500 away from their target, which they hope to smash with a charity cycle ride and school mufti day.

Geography teacher Emma Budge said: “Staff and students were devastated by Matt’s passing away, so we all wanted to do something to celebrate and remember our friend and colleague, who we miss dearly, and also to do something that would help others facing similar illnesses.”

A geography achievement award was created in Matt’s honour and was presented on Thursday, July 3.

Matt was an avid Aston Villa fan, the inspiration behind the school’s mufti day, with students set to wear Aston Villa colours (claret and blue) on Friday, July 18.

Staff also plan to cycle 160 miles along the Grand Union Canal from Sunday, July 20 until Tuesday, July 22 from London to Birmingham, ending up in Villa Park.

Ade Coultas-Pitman, the leader of the cycling party, said: “We’re doing this to highlight the illness and the speed at which it can affect lives.”

The team went to Greenford Cycles this week, which is helping them prepare for the significant trip ahead by checking bikes and providing equipment.

The team of riders are Ade Coultas-Pitman, Emma Lauder, Emma Budge, Emma Taylor, Abi Purkis, Cecilia Audouin, Vicki Blackburn, Rachel Thompson, Ollie Audouin, Jess Davies, Chris MacInnes and Sophie Mckeown.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/brentsidecycleride,

All money raised will be donated to the Brain Tumour Research charity.

About 16,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year, killing more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.