PUPILS and staff from the Robert Burns Academy (RBA) battled through the Great Scottish Run at the weekend in honour of a school favourite who sadly passed away recently.

The team from the Cumnock school completed the 10k race in Glasgow on Sunday (October 6), building on what has now become a school tradition.

Pupils and staff took part in the run.Pupils and staff took part in the run. (Image: Submitted) Bernard Shepherd, teacher at the school, came up with the idea of entering the yearly event, having battled through a range of fund-raising events during his time.

Over the years, he has gathered up teams to compete in this event, as well as the Kilmarnock Roon the Toon, and raised money for various causes such as Alzheimer Scotland and Ayrshire Cancer support.

This year, pupils and staff from the school were once again raising money for Ayrshire Cancer Support; this time in honour of former school janitor, Chris Walker, who sadly passed away recently.


In a plea for support this year, Mr Shepherd described his former colleague as a school "favourite".

He said the school was "impacted by the sudden passing" of Mr Walker.

He added: "We are doing it to raise funds for Ayrshire Cancer Support - our school nominated charity for this year.

"This charity works closely with RBA by offering a drop-in service every two weeks to give assistance and advice to all in the school and local community who are affected in any way by the impact of cancer within their family or friends.

"The students taking part in the event asked that we take part in his memory and we will display his name on the back of out t-shirts during the run.

"We would like your support in this venture this year to remember Chris and the comfort given to Chris in his last days, we would have gladly supported this cause but had already committed to our nominated charity."

The RBA team joined thousands of others who took part in the popular event, and they have so far raised an incredible £1,500 for charity.

One individual who donated to the cause described Mr Walker as a "wonderful man, whose sudden passing has left a massive void for those who knew and loved him".

You can continue supporting the efforts online.