A FOOTBALL team has taken part in a 50-mile bike ride to raise money in memory of a much-loved former Melksham Oak School teacher.

The team, FC Jäger, annually holds a sponsored ride in aid of Help for Heroes but decided to change their charity this year following the death of Martyn 'Dunny' Dunn, 34, who collapsed while playing five-aside football a month ago.

Churchfields Primary, in Atworth, was chosen as the charity of choice as Mr Dunn's children attend the school, with the aim being to raise funds for sporting equipment.

So far, the total raised stands at £4,020, with donations also coming from Melksham Rugby Club and Bath Hospitals Cricket Club on top of that raised by a drinking game at his local pub The White Hart following his funeral.

Mr Dunn’s partner Katie Lambert is the sister-in-law of team member Barry Holloway, 35, who took part in the bike ride, which started at Melksham Rugby Club at 11.30am on Saturday in honour of one of Mr Dunn's favourite sports.

Royal Mail postman, Mr Holloway, of Linnet Lane, said: “It is still quite raw and he only passed away around three weeks ago. It is a football team originally but Dunny was a rugby player hence why we stopped off at the club.

“He was obviously known throughout Melksham by students and ex students. A few of the lads on the ride were taught by him. Then he went on to John Bentley School and was known further afield.

“He was a well-liked man and if you speak to the students they have fond memories of him. As a teacher he was liked by the students who thought he was one of them. They could have a laugh with him.

“He loved sport. He was a keen rugby player. He played for quite a few different teams. He was very social and a devoted father.”

Although, the team folded in 2012 they have maintained the yearly bike ride, which was set up in memory of Mr Holloway’s brother, Andrew Holloway, who was tragically killed in Iraq in 2005.

The ride started in 2008 and since then has so far raised more than £5,000 for Help For Heroes.

“I am chuffed to bits with what we have raised. To nearly reach the same target as eight years of fundraising shows how well loved he was," added Mr Holloway.

"I am hoping to hand over an oversized cheque with the final amount raised to Churchfields School next week.

"I set the justgiving page total at £500 and in less than two nights we had gone over £2,000. It is really good."

To donate to their campaign go to bit.ly/29hoPTO.