Very recently, our amazing teacher, Mr Paul Riley, finally lost his ongoing fight with cancer. It is terrible news about a great man and a great teacher, who has been a fab role model for us all throughout our time at Llantwit Major school.

Mr Riley was initially diagnosed with oesophageal and stomach cancer in 2015, which he was eventually given the all-clear for. Sadly, after 2 years the disease returned in an incredibly rare form, as a lump in his bellybutton.

The determination that he showed to try and beat this disease is inspirational. Over the years, we as a class have seen how hard he worked and how much effort he put in to come to school and teach us, despite him being severely ill. He didn’t have to be in school, but he came in for us and it is something that we always have, and always will, appreciate. It is a privilege to have been taught by him.

To show our condolences to his family and honour his memory, 5 of us from his year 13 class are going to climb Pen-y-fan for charity on Saturday 4th August. We would also love for other people to join us in the climb if you wish to show your support. In addition, we would greatly appreciate any donations that anyone can offer, as money raised will be donated to a cancer charity in his memory. This will hopefully enable help for people in the future who face the same struggles that he faced. Please donate what you can as it is for an amazing cause, and it would mean a lot to all of us.

Our sympathies and thoughts are with his family and friends at this horrible time, and we hope that we can help in any way we can. Rest easy Mr Riley, thank you for everything.