CHILDREN in Malmesbury recently honoured a long serving teacher who is retiring after being diagnosed with myeloma.

Pupils at Malmesbury Church of England Primary School raised more than £600 in one day for Myeloma UK, in support of their teacher Helen King.

Headteacher Steve Heal says the school wanted to do something to show Helen they cared.

He said: “We wanted to recognise Helen King’s enormous contribution to the school and give every child the opportunity to mark the occasion of her retirement.”

Playing on Helen’s surname, the school decided on King for a Day theme.

Steve explained: “Our staff came up with the idea, as Helen is known as Mrs King to our students. We knew the children would love it.

“We made and wore crowns for a day which was great fun.

“We also asked the children to bring in silver and gold coins to make giant crowns in the playground, then collected the coins up.

“Although Helen could not come into school because of her illness, deputy-head Dan Oakes created a DVD of the day as a keepsake for her.”

A total of 420 children and 70 staff got involved in total.

In the run up to the day, Steve said it was also important for the children to learn about myeloma.

“Learning about sickness is a key part of a child’s education,” he said.

“We cannot hide or protect them from the facts, but wanted instead to teach them to celebrate Helen’s life, friendship, loyalty, and achievement in a positive way.

“The children have learned about myeloma, and in a wider sense they have learned to celebrate life and friendship.”

Helen said she was “touched” when she heard about the plans for the day.

“I was absolutely overwhelmed by the response of the children, parents and my brilliant colleagues and delighted by the amount raised for Myeloma UK,” she said.

“It has been with great sadness that I have had to leave Malmesbury Primary School after 28 years of teaching the amazing children there.”