More than £3,000 raised for permanent memorial to Northampton rugby 'legend'

A fundraising campaign has been set up in honour of a former popular teacher and hugely influential local rugby figure.

On Monday (October 26), Northampton School for Boys shared the news that Norman Barker - a former pupil, teacher and rugby coach - had died at the age of 78.

'Norm' - as he was known to many - was born in St James and was well known and very popular in the town, as he also coached at several local clubs.

Following his death, there has been an outpouring of tributes posted online from former colleagues, students and friends, which led to the launch of a fundraising campaign.

Set up by a former student of Norman's, the money raised will go towards memorial benches.

Dale Skey said: "The word legend is used too much, but there is only one way to remember him.

"There has been such an outpouring of love and people were saying about leaving flowers, but flowers wilt and die and Norman needs to be remembered forever."

With permission from Norman's two sons, Dale set up the JustGiving page yesterday afternoon (October 28).

The target for the benches was set £1,500 so that two could be bought.

However more than £3,000 has already been donated, so Dale and Norman's family are hoping to get a bench for both Sponne School and NSB, where Norman taught, as well as ON's, Casuals and Towcesterians, which are the three main clubs he coached at.

Any other left over money is likely to be donated to Cancer Research UK.

Donations can be made here.Message from the editor:

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