'Save our Stephen' event for 'incredibly inspirational' Leicestershire teacher diagnosed with cancer


Pupils and staff at a Leicestershire school have come together to show their support for a teacher who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. The community at Hastings High School, in Burbage, near Hinckley, gathered in the shape of ‘SOS’ on the school field this afternoon (Wednesday, September 18) in support of Stephen Webb.

His family and friends are currently trying to raise £150,000 for possibly life-extending immunotherapy injections. The school ran the event as part of their ‘Save our Stephen’ campaign.

Claire Bradley, co-headteacher at the school, said Stephen was “definitely not just a teacher”. She said: “He changes lives.

READ MORE: Stephen Webb: Urgent appeal launched after dad and teacher diagnosed with 'aggressive' brain tumour

“We see him up and down the corridor, he has the biggest smile on his face, he says hello to everyone and really means it. He has a wicked sense of humour and tells some really bad jokes.

“He is well known for his tweed trousers as well, he knows how to stand out. He has a little mascot in his room, a little teddy bear that he uses to wipe the board and throw at pupils to answer questions. The pupils have been carrying that mascot around all week."

She added: “He is incredibly inspirational and invests fully into the children. He goes out of his way to know every pupil. He understands what they are going through, what will engage them, what interests them.

Stephen with his two children
Stephen is hoping to raise money for a treatment that could extend his life -Credit:Supplied

“He will give up his breaks at lunch and after school to be there for any pupil or colleague that needs him. We have got all of our Hastings family, both past and present, wanting to make a difference.”

Pupils and staff gathered on the field and gave Stephen a huge cheer as he and his family arrived and took their place in the centre of the ‘SOS’. His fundraiser has currently reached more than £120,000.

Stephen will undergo brain surgery tomorrow (Thursday, September 18) to remove as much of the tumour as possible. He will then begin chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first