KIND-HEARTED former pupils from Saddleworth School are crowdfunding to buy a bench in memory of “truly amazing teacher” John Atack.

Mr Atack passed away in March and his funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 21 at 9am at Huddersfield Crematorium.
Now, ‘Saddleworth School Friends’, a 3,000-strong Facebook group of past pupils, are hoping to raise £2,000 to buy a bench to place at the school in his memory.
The idea was the brainchild of Kathy Wander and after setting up a Just Giving page, they have raised more than £1,200 in just three days.
Kathy wrote on the page: “This funding page is dedicated to an amazing man Mr J Atack.
“For many years he inspired and had a lasting impact on so many children at Saddleworth School.
“We are raising money to place a permanent memorial at Saddleworth School so he may always be remembered by all the lives he touched. Let’s make Sir proud!”
She added: “I am sure if you went to Saddleworth School you are likely to remember the character that was Mr Atack.
“A truly inspirational man who touched so many lives in so many ways, whether that was his amazing fun science lessons or his booming voice or maybe even sitting outside his office when he had caught you doing something you shouldn’t have been doing!
“I had an idea to mark his years at Saddleworth by asking the Facebook page community to donate whatever they could for a memorial bench.
“The bench is being commissioned and hand-made by one of his former pupils Simon Hodgson and will be a lasting tribute to a truly amazing teacher.
“Any additional funds will either be donated to charity or to buy a piece of scientific equipment for future pupils.”
She added: “Mr Atack’s family have been overwhelmed by the lovely comments that have been left with the donations.
“His granddaughter said: ‘My family and I are so overwhelmed by your lovely comments! Reading your memories of him and seeing the impact he had on so many people’s lives means so much to us’.”
On the Just Giving page, numerous former students have left messages as well as pledging money.
Richard Gahagan posted: “Cracking teacher and set the tone for inspired kids of all levels. true gentleman and rightly remembered. RIP Mr Atack.”
And Michelle Duff wrote: “Salt of the earth was Mr Atack. Great respect for him xx”
If you would like to make a donation go online to the Just Giving page.
You must be logged in to post a comment.