Tributes paid to well-loved Brackley school teacher who has died

A Brackley school teacher has sadly died after recently being diagnosed with cancer.
Chris Leach, a longtime teacher at Winchester House School in Brackley, has tragically passed away after he was recently diagnosed with cancerChris Leach, a longtime teacher at Winchester House School in Brackley, has tragically passed away after he was recently diagnosed with cancer
Chris Leach, a longtime teacher at Winchester House School in Brackley, has tragically passed away after he was recently diagnosed with cancer

Winchester House School in Brackley where Chris Leach served as a teacher for 11 years released a statement this morning (Saturday March 6) about his passing away.

The school's statement said: "Winchester House School in Brackley where Chris served as a teacher issued a statement this morning: "The Winchester House community is hugely saddened by the death of Chris Leach, the school’s Head of ICT and Pupil Progress mentor, who had recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour and cancer.

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"Chris was a devoted and well-loved teacher and tutor at the school for 11 years, and his love of learning inspired and touched the lives of countless pupils during that time. His death is a tremendous loss for his young family, and for the many Winchester House pupils, staff and families who were fortunate enough to know him.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this time.

"We know this will affect our pupils and their families, as well as our staff, and our priority is to ensure they are supported through this very difficult time."

Chris Leach passed away in Katharine House Hospice on the evening of Friday March 5 with his beloved wife Tracey by his side.

The Banbury Guardian published two stories about a fundraising campaign launched by friends to help the Leach family.

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If you would like to contribute to the campaign to help the Leach family you can use the following Just Giving web link:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/katharine-pooleyFriends worked with Mr Leach to help get his first book published, The Crimson Mask. People have been able to order a limited edition of the book as another way to support the family.

Friends who organised the fundraising campaign posted a tribute message on Mr Leach's Just Giving page which said: "Every kind message on Just Giving, and every card from all the pupils he has taught over the years at different schools was read to him.

"Knowing he has finally become a published author of his new book lifted his spirits immeasurably. The community spirit was just so wonderful to see and it is a testament that when we all pull together in random acts of kindness we truly can make all the difference.

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"Not only did we achieve our goal but significantly surpassed it.

"In Chris's honour let's appreciate every day we are given and the many things we can be grateful for. Again thank you all so much for your generosity and kindness. May his gentle soul rest in peace.His funeral will be a private one. With love and prayers."

Organisers of the fundraising campaign passed their target of £100,000 and have raised £138, 949 to help the Leach family.

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