Pate's Grammar School Concert 2002

They sing David's praises: A teacher who lost a battle with cancer but won the hearts of his students was remembered in a concert. Pupils at Pate's Grammar School in Cheltenham's Princess Elizabeth Way performed to a packed audience in memory of Music and English teacher David Kennedy.

Described as dynamic and highly popular, Mr Kennedy had taught at the school for more than 20 years and started the annual concert to raise funds for the Kambia Hospital in Sierra Leone.

The school's director of music Darren Wood said: "The concert was his baby. David taught up until the Christmas term of 2000. He passed away in March 2001. We felt continuing his concert was a great way to remember him as music was a real talent of his and he enjoyed it so much. This is the first time we have officially held it in his name."

Richard Kemp, headteacher, said Mr Kennedy was a brilliant teacher.

He said: "David taught right through the school and was always involved in concerts or with the music for the school plays. Everyone liked him, both staff and students."

The evening offered something for everyone with a wide variety of music, including pieces by Elgar, Mozart and Beethoven as well as from the hit film The Piano and a piece composed by 14-year-old pupil Janet Irvine.

The concert raised £450, to be split between the Kambia Hospital and several cancer charities.

© Gloucestershire Echo.