A school has begun a year of fundraising for an East Hampshire charity that cared for a late teacher who died from a rare form of cancer.

Staff and students at The Petersfield School (TPS) were devastated when popular Geography teacher Rob Newton died from adrenal gland cancer in June.

The former Royal Marine was a “great guy” who provided countless opportunities and experiences for students during his two years at the school.

The TPS family has since begun 12 months of fundraising for The Rosemary Foundation as the hospice-at-home charity cared for Rob in his final days.

And although a £5,000 target was initially set, that sum looks certain to be eclipsed with nearly £4,000 already raised through a non-uniform day and Justgiving page.

“We want to help The Rosemary Foundation out as they helped Rob,” said friend and TPS colleague, Jon Ley.

“All the people there are really lovely, friendly and caring. Will do anything we can as a school to support them because they’re worth every penny.”

Mr Newton led an incredible life “defined by service, courage and compassion” while inspiring people to embrace the world around them.

He served with distinction as a Royal Marine before training their Antipodean counterparts in the Australian Defence Force, later finding a new calling in education.

His background meant he was perfect teacher for the Combined Cadet Force, adventurous training and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. So his popularity, and relatively sudden death, hit the school hard.

“The cancer Rob had, only one in a million get it,” said Jon, adding: “The fact he’s not with us this year has hit us hard.”

The idea to hold a year of fundraising for The Rosemary Foundation began when Jonathan went on a cycle tour of the Alps during the summer, taking a magnet with Rob’s face on his two-wheeled adventure.

PP TPS Rob Newton Mont Blanc
A fridge magnet of Rob was stuck to a fence post facing Mont Blanc in memory of the teacher, who previously took part in an expedition in the area. (Jon Ley)

After cycling to a Col in the shadow of Mont Blanc – the site of a previous expedition – he stuck the magnet on a fence post facing the peak. The simple act “kick-started” the fund-raising with teachers, students and TPS supporters all planning events in Rob’s memory over the coming months.

A teaching assistant is bringing one of the world’s top Elvis impersonators to Studio@TPS, five teachers have signed up to the Great South Run, and a Three Peaks Challenge is in the pipeline. Jonathan has also agreed to be a drummer in a forthcoming Open Mic night, while there’s even talk of doing a jumbo jet pull.

“Lots of people are doing different things, so we’ll pool everything into one pot in the end,” said Jon, adding: “Everyone has their own challenge they want to do for Rob.”

And even when the year of fundraising ends, permanent memorials are planned. A monkey tree will be planted, while the Rob Newton Climbing Wall has been named in memory of a teacher to who so many looked up to.

To donate look for ‘Jon Ley TPS’ on www.justgiving.com