Hermitage Primary School colour run and summer fayre funds memorial garden for “inspirational community volunteer”

A local school has raised the funds needed to build a memorial garden for a deeply missed community figure.

Trained nursery nurse Vicki Axten – described as an “important part of the community” – supported small children with learning their key words at Hermitage Primary School for several years until she died, aged 68, in August last year.

But the school and local community are dedicated to preserving her memory by building a new memorial garden in the school grounds.

The school’s Colour Run and Summer Fayre held on Saturday, June 17, successfully raised £2,400 towards building the new memorial.

In all, 180 people took part in the event, which was organised by Leanne Wheeler, headteacher Gillian Turner, Kimberley Gavigan, Lisa Gibson and the rest of the Hermitage Primary School PTA.

Roger Axten volunteered at the school with his late wife and attended the run with his children and grandchildren.

“The whole event was brilliant,” said Mr Axten.

While Mrs Axten supported children in the classroom, Mr Axten – a qualified teacher and local scouts leader of 33 years – led outdoor learning workhops encouraging pupils to explore the surrounding woodland.

Speaking about the proposed memorial, he added: “I think it’s brilliant what the school has suggested and decided to do on behalf of Vicki.

“It’s very touching to be honest.”

Mrs Wheeler, whose husband designed the memorial, said: “She [Mrs Axten] would do key words with the kids.

“She thought it was a really important thing for children to learn by a certain age.

“So, she came in and took it all on.”

She continued: “Me, Gill and the PTA, we all wanted something to remember her by, because she was amazing.

“All children and parents loved Mrs Axten.

“She firmly believed in helping children and is deeply missed.”