A TEACHER is putting his running shoes back on in memory of a former pupil. Andrew Owen, who works in the history department at Barclay School, Stevenage, is running this year s London Marathon for Keech Cottage Children s Hospice in Luton. It will be the

A TEACHER is putting his running shoes back on in memory of a former pupil.

Andrew Owen, who works in the history department at Barclay School, Stevenage, is running this year's London Marathon for Keech Cottage Children's Hospice in Luton.

It will be the 37-year-old's second marathon, and comes more than 10 years after his first.

He decided to go back into training in memory of pupil Chris Rose who died aged 17 in July, 2006.

Chris developed Hodgkins disease in 2004 and regularly visited the children's hospice for care and support throughout his condition.

Andrew, who was Chris's head of year, said: "Chris was a pupil who did everything well.

"I didn't have much contact with him up until he told me he was unwell because that's the kind of lad he was - just happy to get on with things.

"Even when he told me about his illness he seemed to take it in his stride. He wanted to be a doctor; he was a very bright and hard working pupil."

Andrew added: "After Chris passed away I got together with his friends and the student council and we all decided to raise money for Keech Cottage as they had helped Chris and his family so much.

"Everyone liked Chris, but pupils and friends in the sixth form adored him and they want to do so much to help the charity that helped Chris."

Chris's mother Teresa said:"Keech Cottage was fantastic to Chris, the whole family and his friends.

"We regularly used the heated hydrotherapy pool with the under water music, flashing lights and fountains - all of which helped stimulate Chris.

"The facilities at Keech were put at our disposal at virtually any time, all we had to do was call.

"Care staff called us daily and supported us at the hospice both medically, and with a friendly chat or with an ear to spend the time and listen, no matter what time, 24 hours a day."

Andrew, who lives in Hertford, recently joined Ware Joggers and started his training by running five times a week with Sunday runs incorporating distances up to 15 miles.

He said: "I'm making steady progress with the training. My main aim is to simply finish the course, but I would love to finish in a time under three hours and 45 minutes.

"However, I'm mainly using my place to raise money for Chris and Keech Cottage."

If you would like to sponsor Andrew, contact him at the school on 01438 232221, or send a cheque made payable to 'Keech Cottage Children's Hospice' to The Barclay School, Walkern Road, Stevenage, SG1 3RB.

If you have a place for the London Marathon and would like to run and raise money for Keech Cottage, please go to www.pasque.org/marathon, call Rebecca Kelly, Events Fundraiser, on 01582 497849, or email events@pasque.org