More than 250 children at Victoria School, in Berkhamsted, took part in the fund-raising event in aid of the Paul Beard Memorial Fund.

Mr Beard collapsed and died after running on the treadmill at his work's gym.

An inquest heard that despite being fit and suffering no previous symptoms, he had undiagnosed heart disease.

His death, in January at the age of 43, shocked the community - not least Victoria School, where his three children Ben, 15, Molly, 12, and Sophie, 10, were all pupils.

His wife Carolyn was also chair of governors and his mother, Mary, once taught there and was latterly a governor.

Head teacher Anna Brown said: "The sponsored skip is our chance to pay tribute to Paul and give something back to the fund set up in his name.
"He was one of those dads who'd offer his time and talent to support school events whenever he was asked."

For several weeks, pupils have been practising their skipping skills and techniques in preparation for fund-raiser last Friday (June 12).

Each class skipped for half an hour and pupils who knew Mr Beard well led an assembly about working together in his memory.

Mr Beard was chairman of Berkhamsted Raiders Football Club and manager of their Under 15s team.

He was also instrumental in the development of junior players at Berkhamsted Cricket Club.

The school hopes to raise several hundred pounds for the fund, which was set up to continue his good work for young people locally and overseas.

Mr Beard's widow, who joined the children skipping, said: "We are really touched by what the school has done, which will give more children the opportunity to participate in sport – it's exactly what Paul would have wanted."

Anyone wishing to donate to The Paul Beard Memorial Fund, please send a cheque to Berkhamsted Raiders Community Football Club, PO Box 1203, High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 3ZF.