Ex-pupils enshrine legacy of murdered teacher Ann Maguire

AS FORMER pupils at the school of Ann Maguire they know the impact the teacher had on her pupils.
Matthew Calvert (left) and James Weaver  pictured after completing a Aberdeen to Leeds Bike Ride in aid the of the Anne Maguire fund, outside Leeds Town Hall. Picture by Simon HulmeMatthew Calvert (left) and James Weaver  pictured after completing a Aberdeen to Leeds Bike Ride in aid the of the Anne Maguire fund, outside Leeds Town Hall. Picture by Simon Hulme
Matthew Calvert (left) and James Weaver pictured after completing a Aberdeen to Leeds Bike Ride in aid the of the Anne Maguire fund, outside Leeds Town Hall. Picture by Simon Hulme

Now Matthew Calvert and James Weaver have helped to ensure her legacy lives on after completing a charity bike ride from Scotland to Leeds in her memory.

The ex-Corpus Christi Catholic College students rode more than 380 miles from Stirling to Leeds to raise money for the Ann Maguire Arts Education fund.

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The Leeds teacher was fatally stabbed by a pupil at the school in April last year.

Stabbed school teacher Ann Maguire.Stabbed school teacher Ann Maguire.
Stabbed school teacher Ann Maguire.

The charity fund has been set up in her memory by her family.

After three days on the road Matthew and James completed their journey into Leeds last night and were welcomed home by Mrs Maguire’s daughter Emma at the steps of the Town Hall.

Speaking on behalf of the charity, she said: “We would like to thank and congratulate Matthew Calvert and James Weaver for organising this fundraising bike ride to raise money for the Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund.

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“As past pupils of Ann’s school, Matthew and James are equally aware of the tragic events that took place in April 2014 but also of the wonderful contribution to young peoples’ lives and the legacy that Ann has left behind.

“Through such efforts from these two young men Ann’s work and teaching continues.”

The former students, who were deputy head boy and head boy during their time at Corpus Christi, have already surpassed their fund raising target of £2,750.

The charity was established in memory of Mrs Maguire by her family.

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Co-ordinated through Leeds Community Foundation the memorial fund provides bursaries and funding for the enhancement and personal development of young people under the age of 18 through music, drama, language and dance.

Mrs Maguire’s death shocked not only the local community but the entire country last year.

Former pupil Will Cornick was subsequently jailed for life for her murder.

However, the creation of a charity in her memory has both inspired fundraisers and helped scores of young people to explore the arts through the money raised. BBC Radio Leeds also launched an awards thanking teachers in her memory.

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Commenting on the work of the charity, Mrs Maguire’s daughter Emma added: “The first round of funding took place in the spring and the recipients are at this time participating in the various funded projects and schemes.

“Only last Friday I had the privilege of visiting Chapel FM, run by Heads Together, to see the live launch of their Associate Bands EP.

“The evening showcased performances from young musicians as part of their No Bystander’s Festival that the Ann Maguire charity helped fund.

“To witness young people go through the life enhancing process from an idea in mind to performance was a truly rewarding experience.”

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The next round of applications for funding will open in September, organised by the Leeds Community Foundation. Anyone interested should contact the foundation or visit annmaguire.org. Among the organisations to benefit from the first round of funding were East Street Arts, Heads Together and St Mary’s Youth Theatre. Another beneficiary was SNAPS, which was given funding to continue Saturday dance classes for youngsters with special needs.

Youth Theatres Leeds was also given support toward staging a summer production.

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