Schools raise money in memory of youth football coach

PUPILS at River Mead and The Manor primary schools in Melksham got sporty last week to raise money for Meningitis Now in memory of a local teaching assistant and football coach.

The schools held a non-uniform day on Friday, the last day of term, when children made donations to the charity after Keiren Edney, a Melksham Oak teaching assistant and youth coach at Melksham Town FC, died of the disease last year aged just 21.

The two schools also played a football match in the morning which saw hosts River Mead win 4-1.

Headteacher Nicki Henderson said, “Lots of children from both schools play for Melksham Town so they knew Keiren, and we were keen to support a charity that is important to the local community. The children really enjoyed the football match; it was the first time River Mead and The Manor have come together for something like this, so I’m delighted it was a success.

“All the pupils showed excellent sportsmanship and donated money in exchange for wearing sports clothes to school for the day.”