STAFF from Budmouth College will be taking part in a 5km challenge this weekend in memory of a former colleague who will ‘never be forgotten’.

Six teaching assistants and a teacher from the school’s Aspergers Base paid tribute to their friend and colleague Donna Kelly who lost her fight against cancer three years ago.

Jill Miller, Elspeth Turner, Kirsten Culbreth, Carol Howard, Frances Baron, Tanya Denning and Rose Hayward will be running and walking Race for Life at Kingston Maurward, Dorchester. They will be among the thousands of women and girls wearing pink at the event, which aims to raise £145,472 for Cancer Research UK.

Teaching assistant Elspeth Turner, of Chickerell, said: “Donna was calm, kind, she was probably the most practical person I ever knew.

“She used to make all kinds of things to help children with aspergers, she would draw things to communicate with them and get it absolutely right.

“She was so calm, she could bring order to a group of lively children really easily without appearing to do it. Donna was a marvellous example to us all.We’re looking forward to raising a lot of money in her memory.

“Donna was one of the original two aspergers base teaching assistants when it was set up in 2000.

“We have a kitchen at the base named after her, she was very much a part of the base and she will never be forgotten.”

Teaching assistant Jill Miller, of Langton Herring, said paid tribute to the support of Steve Churchill and his team at Budmouth Sports Centre and sponsors, especially Donna’s family. To support the team donate online at www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/carolhoward0301 • Women who run the Race for Life on Sunday will be greeted once again by one of TV’s best known faces as they cross the line.

Local favourite Martin Clunes is lending his support to the Dorchester event and will cheer each participant along the way as they raise money for Cancer Research UK.