FOUR members of staff at a York primary school cycled 28 miles from York to Selby and back in memory of a former pupil.

Gabriel Duran-Escamezb attended Fishergate Primary School for three years from 2007 to 2010 and made many friends among the pupils and staff during his time there.

Gabriel suffered from a very rare and severe skin disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), also known as the butterfly syndrome, which meant he was living in constant pain. As a result, he contracted a number of infections and died in March 2010, aged only eight.

At the time, Gabriel was being cared for at Martin House, a respite care and hospice for children and their families.

On Saturday, administrator Helen Deighton, caretaker Steve Evans and teaching assistants Rochelle Atkinson and Jo Heyes raised £300 in their sponsored bike ride, with more money to come in.

Rochelle said: “It was really windy and rainy on the way there, but it was okay.

“The last four miles were the hardest. I thought we would raise about £100, so we’re really pleased.”

Jo said: “We would love to buy a bench for the school field in memory of Gabriel who was much-loved and is a much missed pupil. He was a lovely little boy.

“We are doing a few fundraising activities as we need about £1,000 in total so we got together and decided to do the bike ride to get things started and really hope people will support us by sponsoring us.

“We have been in touch with Gabriel’s mum, who has since moved away from the area, and she has given her backing to the fundraising venture.”

EB was brought to public attention in the UK through the Channel 4 documentary The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off, chronicling the life and death of Jonny Kennedy, from Northumberland, and his struggle with the disorder.

“Butterfly children” is a term often used to describe younger suffers of EB because their skin is said to be as fragile as a butterfly’s wings.

The fundraising activities will continue with the school planning to draw a giant, colourful chalk butterfly in the playground for the children to fill with their loose change. Each class will also be given £10 to invest in a fundraising activity to raise more money.

If you would like to make a donation, please send donations to Fishergate Primary School, Fishergate, York, Y010 4AP.