WITHAM will be coming together to remember a “much-loved” headteacher by putting on a charity fundraiser in his memory.  

Simon Gibbs, former headteacher at New Rickstones Academy, was found unresponsive whilst on holiday with friends in France in February.

An appeal to support his family was set up in his memory in the weeks after his death and raised more than £2,500 in just two days, as tributes poured in from across the community.

This month, a charity football match to donate to a charity of his family’s choice has been set up by Witham Town Belles football coach, Sarah Smith.

Sarah, 45, is a mother of three, with two of her children taught by Mr Gibbs.

She said: “I felt I was in a position to do something to show his family how much he meant to our community.

“I used to speak with him weekly because of the extra needs my daughter has, and he always went above and beyond—he did that extra bit, and I just wanted to give something back.”

Sarah’s charity football match will have one team consisting of Witham Town Youth Coaches, and the opposing team will feature friends and old and new staff who worked with Mr Gibbs. 

Sarah continued: “The funds we raise will go to the Young Concern Trust, as his wife and family wanted, because they supported their children through the bereavement of losing Simon.

“We’ll have about 14 stalls up at the match which will all be donating, with one doing face paint, one selling wax melts, and another one doing teddy tombola.

“It’s just a way to show his family how much he meant to everyone, but also a way to raise money for a good charity.”

People can donate using the QR code on the door, by cash, or by following the link to the Just Giving page.

Sarah said: “It’s lovely to see the children and the staff remember Simon.

“He always did the right thing, even when no one was watching, and he used to say that—no matter what you’re doing, always do the best you can.”

The football match will take place on Sunday, September 29.