YOUNGSTERS at Bridlewood Primary School gave it their all to raise money in memory of a pupil who was killed in a road accident last year.

They were taking part in a sponsored run to help Doing it for Dan, a charity set up in the name of 11-year-old Daniel Climance, who died when his bicycle was in collision with a roadsweeper in Purton.

Headteacher Jo Garton said staff had stayed in touch with his parents and step parents since his death and although he had been a few weeks from transferring to secondary school at the time of crash, there were still pupils at the school who remembered him.

Doing it for Dan was launched in the wake of his death by his parents and step parents, Helen and Michael Lucas and Stuart and Joanne Climance to help other children in Swindon achieve their sporting dreams.

And Dan’s love of sport was reflected in the decision to hold a sponsored run.

“He was very a sporty lad,” said Mrs Garton.

“As long as we have staff and children that remember Dan it will keep going.”

“We have a cup with Daniel’s name on it for the person who has made the biggest contribution to sport at Bridlewood.”

Daniel, who was in Cherry class, is remembered with a cherry tree next to a memorial bench on the school field which is visited by his family. There is also a trim trail in the grounds.

On the anniversary of his death in June, Mrs Garton said she went out to sit there with a cup of tea and spend a few moments remembering him. Before very long a group of teachers arrived to lay flowers.

They still have fond memories of a young boy with a huge character and a sense of humour. He even made fun of his own bushy eyebrows, giving them the names Betty and Bob.

Mrs Garton said staff had stayed in touch with his parents and step parents since his death and although he had been a few weeks from transferring to secondary school at the time of crash, there were still pupils at the school who remembered him.

So far, this year’s fundraiser had brought in more than £245 for the charity.

Daniel, who was due to go to Bradon Forest School, played football for Wootton Bassett Under-11s and was keen on Tae Kwon Do, was described by his family as a “beautiful, loving child with a fantastic sense of humour, caring and loving, with a wide circle of friends”.

Bridlewood Primary School has a fundraising page on Virgin Money Giving for anyone who wants to sponsor the children in their efforts. Doing it for Dan is also on Facebook.

Dan had been cycling along Station Road in Purton with his father and older brother when he collided with the DAF road sweeper, which was travelling towards Hook.

Neighbours rushed to his aid but he died at the scene.