A fundraiser set up to install a memorial bench for a much-loved sports teacher and coach is close to its target just a few days after being launched. 

The £3,000 Give 4 Glenn Colmer Go Fund Me page has already received 55 donations, totalling £2,150. 

Organisers want to install a memorial bench on the 18th hole at Southampton Municipal Golf Course, a favourite spot of golf lover Glenn, who died from a brain tumour in February, aged just 51.

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He loved all sports and was instrumental in establishing Itchen College's renowned academy of sport which has become one of the best around and attracts talented youngsters from near and far.

A former student, who lived with his family in Bitterne, Glenn had been at Itchen for more than 20 years as a teacher, rising to the position of Director of Curriculum for Sport and Protective Service, and inspired thousands of talented young sports people, including Olympians, professional footballers and international sports stars.

The page contains a moving message from his wife Ali and children Grace and Joe. It says: "The muni will always be your place as you loved it there. We know you’ll be sat right beside us every time we sit at your bench and watch the players take on the final hole. Love you forever."

The fundraiser, organised by friends Calum James Edward, Duncan Anderson and James Bedwell, explains their desire to appropriately honour their friend. It says: "Glenn was loved by so many and deserves to be remembered at the place he most loved playing golf."

Olympic gymnast Kelly Simm was among those to pay tribute to the highly regarded teacher, who also helped ex-Saints defender Aaron Martin, Olympic marathon runner Mahamed Mahamed, boxing champion Ryan Garner and NBA basketballer Jeremy Sochan on their way to sporting success.

Hundreds of current and former students turned out to say their final goodbyes to Glenn, whose funeral procession passed Itchen College's campus on Middle Road on the way to Southampton Crematorium. 

You can donate at gofundme.com/f/give-4-glenn-colmer

Any funds remaining after the memorial bench is installed will be donated to Brain Tumour Research UK.