Dedication Ceremony for Greg Flynn Memorial
Greg was a student at Tuxford School for eight years from 1997 to 2005. Like Professor Stephen Hawking, he was confined to a wheelchair but he was in possession of great intelligence and determination. He was happy to be in mainstream education rather than a special school and he wanted to be treated in the same way as all the other students. His sense of humour complemented his great determination to get as much out of school as possible. His attendance was excellent. He was a strong character who would never complain about the difficulties brought about by his disease, nor did he demonstrate an ounce of self-pity.
Throughout his time in school, Greg was supported by our team of teaching assistants. He grew close to them and was dependent on them, but he could boss them around too. One of the team, Mrs Joan Britton, recalls that Greg must have set a record for taking care of his stationery because when he had completed his 'A' levels in Psychology, Sociology and Business Studies, he was still using the pencil eraser he brought with him in Year 7.
Greg loved Manchester United and he often discussed football with Headteacher, Chris Pickering (a Doncaster Rovers supporter). When Greg left us in the summer of 2005, he had gained a place at Lincoln University, a place that unfortunately, he was never able to take up, but that achievement was a testament to his strength of character and determination not to let his disability through his condition in the way of leading as full a life as possible.
It was Greg's wish before he died that a tree should be planted in his memory at school with a seat around it for students to use. As soon as the building of the new school was completed, the tree was planted with a circular seat and a dedication ceremony took place on Wednesday 21st January. This was attended by Greg's family, Mr Pickering, Mr Lloyd, Mr Baker, Mr Cotton, Mr Lynch, the Rev. Colin Wall, Greg's teaching assistants at school and other friends. It was a beautiful sunny day and a fitting tribute to a remarkable young man.