AN EVENT to remember a popular school staff member who died suddenly has been postponed because so many people wanted to attend.

A candlelight vigil and motorbike ride-out in memory of Calvin Rodgers has been planned for this evening but the event has been rescheduled for later this month.

Although organisers have not set a date for the new event, almost 800 people have joined a remembrance page for Mr Rodgers on social media outlets, with most of them expected to attend the event.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, a mother-of-four Tammy Gibbs was organising a memorial for the staff member at Oasis Academy in Mayfield, Southampton.

She has now been joined by Sholing biker and former Oasis student, Steve Walden who is organising the motorcycle ride-out.

He said: “Mr Rodgers helped me through a lot of stuff.

“He always took the time out to talk to me - giving advice and helping me with school work.

“I remember him as that one person to help me and it wasn’t just me, he helped everyone.”

The 20-year-old last saw Mr Rodgers outside a supermarket two weeks before his death.

Although Mr Walden had left the school four years before, Mr Rodgers recognised him and stopped to talk and ask after his wellbeing.

“He has done a lot for me, so I wanted to do something for him,” said Mr Walden. “I am a biker, so I thought that was the best way to support him.”

Since his death, tributes to Mr Rodgers have flooded social media and a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to pay for his funeral is now underway and has already passed its £2,000 target by more than £900.

Students were informed of Mr Rodger’s sudden death at a special assembly held last Friday just hours after the annual presentation evening.