Fundraising in memory of popular head Melvin

The funeral of Melvin Palmer, who taught at Thrybergh Comprehensive for more than 30 years, was held at Rotherham Minster on Tuesday.

A fundraising page founded in his memory has so far brought in more than £1,100 for the British Heart Foundation.

The school said in a statement: “Melvin’s family have let us know how touched they have been with the stories, memories and well-wishes from friends, colleagues and students across the globe.

“Our shared website post had over 33,000 individual views — reinforcing the positive impact that Melvin had on the world.”

Mr Palmer was a Thrybergh student and returned to the school after university — via a spell at Wingfield School — as a PE teacher, before going on to become head of school.

“He was loved and respected as a consummate professional, charismatic, an exceptional teacher, leader and a warm and generous human being by his many friends and colleagues within Thrybergh’s community and beyond,” said the school statement.

“Melvin’s contribution to the educational and the community life of Thrybergh is entirely unique.

“His character is woven in thousands of trainee teachers and staff who he trained, led and developed.

“He encountered many changes over his long years of service, providing a constant in an ever changing educational landscape.

“His legacy is unrivalled and his mark will be left on generations to come.”

After leaving Thrybergh in 2014, Mr Palmer became course leader and senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.

Visit https://giftofhope.bhf.org.uk/In-Memory/Melvin-Palmer to make a donation in his memory.