MORE than 50 friends held a ride-out to celebrate the life of a former school pastoral leader.

The event was organised to commemorate the life of Oasis Academy Mayfield staff member Calvin Rodgers.

Former student Steve Waldon and Tammy Gibbs, mother of three ex-pupils, worked together to hold the ride-out after Mr Rodgers' death on November 24.

More than 50 people came to the memorial to pay their respects including Calvin’s wife Claire and daughters, Tyra and Freya.

It was the second memorial held last week in memory of Mr Rodgers, whose funeral happened at Central Hall in St Mary’s on December 8.

Steve said: "He kept a lot of people out of trouble and on the right path.

“I think the ride-out has helped me deal with Calvin’s death. It was something that I wanted to do as a way of remembering him."

Motorists gathered at the Burger King car park in Hedge End and drove to St Andrews Church in Sholing after riding past some of Calvin’s favourite places including Oasis Academy Mayfield, his home, and St Mary's Stadium.

Tammy said: "It was very emotional. It felt like Calvin was looking down and blessing us all."

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, a balloon release was held for students who were unable to attend Mr Rodgers’ funeral on Friday.

The Oasis Academy Mayfield chaplain Paul Woodman gave a speech and thanked those who attended.

Mourners signed a Saints football flag, which the organisers then gave to Mr Rodgers’ family.

Since his death, tributes to Mr Rodgers have flooded social media and a crowdfunding campaign to help his wife and daughters has almost reached its £8,000 target.

Tammy, who also created the 1,000-member Facebook page said: “I was very shocked when so many people liked the page.

"It goes to show to how amazing he really was.

“I am certainly going to plan for more events next year around this time, to keep his memory alive."