Sporting events ‘a fitting tribute’ to former Perse teacher
Former Perse coach Tommy Dann has been celebrated in sporting style by his ex-colleagues and school teams.
Tommy, who coached rugby, cricket, football and PE at The Perse from 2009 to 2014 before becoming Head of Rugby at The Leys, died aged 40 in February.
Fittingly, the annual Perse v Leys 1st XV rugby encounter saw both teams pause to remember Tommy prior to the game, which The Perse won 33-19.
The players of the match for each side were also awarded the inaugural Tommy Dann Cup for their sportsmanship and performance, with Freddie Brierley taking the honours for The Perse.
Following on from the game, five Perse teachers ran the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon in aid of the Charlie Waller Trust in remembrance of Tommy.
Director of Sport Glenn Kirkham, Assistant Director of Sport (Performance), Acting Head of Rugby Charlie Baker, physics teacher and running coach Chris Ingram and Assistant Director of University Admissions Mike Goodson smashed their initial target of £2,000 by raising more than £3,350 for the mental health charity.
Mr Ingram led the way in 1hr 30min, while Mr Kirkham claimed a personal best (PB) of 1hr 33min. Dr Goodson crossed the line in 1hr 36min, with Mr Mahendra setting a PB of 1hr 45min and Mr Baker completing his first half marathon in a time of 1hr 51min.
Mr Kirkham felt the weekend of sporting activity was “a fitting tribute to a much-loved former colleague and friend”.
He added: “The spirit and sportsmanship shown in the fixtures with The Leys on Saturday was exemplary and the way in which Tommy would have played and coached the game himself.
“Running the Cambridge Half on Sunday and fundraising for the Charlie Waller Trust, in Tommy’s memory, was a nice opportunity for those colleagues who worked closely with Tommy and who had shared some fantastic times together.”
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