A family friend of a popular Harraby man who has died last year has been able to purchase a bench in his memory.

David Hopper worked as a caretaker at Inglewood Junior School and sadly passed away in July aged 49 years old.

Laura Chromie-Moffat decided to raise funds in David’s memory and has managed to secure a bench that will be placed at the school.

Laura said: “David’s partner Joanne works with me as Store Manager at the Co-Op. He passed suddenly which was a bit of a shock to everybody. He worked at Inglewood for around five years as the caretaker but he also helped out with activities in the school. He was always close with the kids and went the extra mile for them. My daughter used to always speak about him and it was very sad to hear of his death.

“I decided to set up a fund for David, he was a popular figure in Harraby and was known by many people. I wanted to put up a memorial bench for the kids at the school so people can remember him by. I set up the fund and a lot of people and local companies have got involved. The Harraby Inn and the Catholic Club have helped out as he was well known there. The other Co-Ops in Carlisle are helping raise funds for the bench as well.”

Discussing how the fundraising is going, Laura continued: “Just now, we have raised over £2,000 which is really good. We’ve managed to get the bench and we are going to have an open day at the school. There’s a new sports hall that is going to be opening at the school as well and they are going to call it Hopper’s Yard after him. The rest of the money that will be raised is going to go to the school so they can buy sports equipment for the new hall. The bench will be placed outside the hall.”

“I would like to thank everyone who helped raise money. He was a well-known figure and news of his passing did affect a number of people.”