IT WAS an emotional evening as family and friends of a secondary school IT manger took part in the St Michael’s Moonlight Walk.

David Beadle was the IT and network manager at the Costello School for nearly 19 years, before he died following a short battle with prostate cancer on July 25.

It was the request of Mr Beadle’s family that money be donated to St Michael’s Hospice, so former colleagues decided they would take of the challenge of the 8.5 mile walk around Basingstoke on Saturday in his memory.

The group of 20, dress in their best dayglo have so far managed to raise nearly £3,000 for the hospice.

“It went really well but there are certainly still some sore legs,” said senior IT technician at the Costello School, Carolyn Reed.

“We are all really pleased that we were able to do something to remember Dave and the fact we were supported by his family was even better.”

Mr Beadle had worked at the Costello School since 1999 and was a “one of a kind” person, before his death aged 59.

When asked what she thought Mr Beadle would think of the fundraising effort, Carolyn added: “He would probably think we are mad.

“He would probably say why are we going to such a fuss for him, but he would have been proud in all of us and his family for completing the wlak and raising money for the hospice.”

The group from the Costello School are still collecting donations to go towards the £20,000 total which the hospice aims to raise from the event.

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/moon4david.