FORMER pupils of a school have gathered to celebrate the life of a much-missed former member of staff who died at the age of 50.

Durham School housemaster and deputy headmaster Mark Bushnell died in 2014, aged 50.

More than 250 pupils of the school came back to take part in a day of sport-filled fundraising in his memory and compete in a new competition named after the popular teacher.

The Northern Echo: Mark Busnell

Mark Bushnell, who died in 2014 after going missing 

 

Old Dunelmian and event organiser Fergus Bell said “For the majority of us, whilst looking back over our time at school, Mr Bushnell remains front and centre in his role as mentor, teacher and father figure.

“His mantra that 'manners maketh the man' still rings true with all of us.”

Throughout his time at the school, Mr Bushnell had a positive influence on the lives of his pupils. It was that long-lasting impact his former pupils wanted to celebrate through a festival of house sport.

A new competition, called Bushnell Day, saw about 90 former pupils aged between 19 and 45 come together to play rugby and netball.

The day raised £1,050 for sporting charity Sport Aid.

The rugby event was won by Mr Bushnell's former house, Poole House, a team which included two of his children, Jacob and Nathaniel.

In the netball competition, Macleod House finished victorious.

Earlier in the day a number of people also took part in the Durham Park Run which shares much of its route with the school’s traditional cross country

Development director Andrew Beales added: “We were delighted to welcome so many Old Dunelmians back to their School to support such a great cause.

“They have travelled from around the country to be here to be part of this special celebration of the role Mark played in their lives and there was great spirit displayed by everyone on the day.