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Local Stockport school opens library in memory of ‘selfless’ and ‘truly special’ teacher

His tragic passing spawned a beautiful fundraising community.

Danny Jones - 27th March 2025

A local school in Stockport has opened a brand new library in memory of a former teacher, with the learning space being named after the “life-changing” educator.

The late Danyon Robert Chesters, or simply Dan to colleagues and friends, was a secondary school educator who enjoyed a long teaching stint at Offerton High (OHS), which was formerly the site of two girls’ school and a boys’ secondary which went on to merge in 1972 and was ultimately renamed in 1983.

Since closed over a decade ago, the premises is now home to two educational facilities for students with learning disabilities and complex needs: Castle Hill High and Lisburne School. The latter officially opened last December after being built on the site of OHS’s old Woodbank Building.

Now, in an effort to both connect to the school’s history and honour the man known to so many simply as Mr Chesters, Lisburne School has now opened the new reading and study space in his name.

Unveiled earlier this month, the Lisburne Special School Library was formally dedicated as ‘The Dan Chesters Library’ on the same plot of land where he taught history for over a decade.

Writing via the ‘Do it For Dan’ charity page set up in the wake of his death and which has raised thousands for mental health causes through regular sports-based fundraisers, his husband and fellow academic, Jeff Evans, was present for a “bright and sunny afternoon” spent remembering him.

Local Liberal Democrats Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove, and Stockport MBC Councillor, Dan Oliver – a previous student of Dan’s – were also in attendance as Lisburne’s Headteacher Sam Benson and several students help cut the ribbon.

Speaking on the opening, Cllr Oliver said: “Dan made such a difference to so many of us, both at school and after we left. Over the last few weeks, I’ve re-read our emails, he was always so supportive and keen to know what was going on in our lives.

“He also came to perform at a fundraising event that we organised, a sign of just how special he was and how committed he was to all of us. This library now stands in honour of Dan Chesters, on the site of the building that he taught in, as a permanent reminder of his commitment to education, his kindness, his selflessness and his brilliant smile. Thank you, Dan.”

Structured Pathway Lead and Class Teacher, Jess Jones, told The Manc: “Here at Lisburne, we offer a specialist provision for children aged 4-11 years in Stockport. We have recently opened our new school building, providing amazing facilities to meet the diverse needs of all students.

“As part of our opening celebrations, we have created a well-being area in our Library in memory of Dan Chesters, a well-loved teacher who taught at the old Offerton High School. The aim of this space is to provide an area of reflection and emotional regulation.

“This marks the beginning of our project here in school and is something we are hoping to expand. We are looking to work collaboratively to fundraise for appropriate resources to engage and support learning, regulation and wellbeing of the full school community.”

As well as the school welcoming local support, Mr Evans himself is now exploring the latest Do it For Dan fundraising event – of which there have already been many – to help fill the library with books and other resources specifically geared towards its students.

The organisation has held everything from annual charity football matches, group hikes and memorial runs in the years since his passing.

While he was an inspiration to countless children during his days teaching in schools, helping build their self-esteem and world views as young adults, Dan Chesters sadly battled with mental health throughout his life. In 2018, he tragically decided to take his own life.

He was just 44.

Reflecting in a lengthy and emotional post on the first anniversary of his death on 2 July 2019, his partner Jeff said: “I would use this deeply painful occasion to again enlist your help for all those other Dan’s in our community who need our voice.

“Family members, friends and workmates that are suffering today, often alone, similar mental illness that plagued Dan’s life. Please do continue speaking out about mental health and thereby challenging the taboo about this increasingly common illness…

“Please do consider raising with your MP and local NHS Mental Health Trust the consistent underfunding of the NHS Mental Health Services. In doing so, you’re practically honouring Dan’s life and enhancing his legacy by helping others […] he’d love that.”

The impact he had not only on generations of secondary school students but his fellow teaching colleagues, members of the LGBTQ+ community and beyond cannot be overstated.

Fellow ex-pupil, Jake Sheppard – who not only has a PhD in history but now works for Seashell Trust in Cheadle Hulme, an organisation that also provides severe learning disability support – told us: “Every boy’s heart responds to the examples set by greater men. Mr Chesters was that greater man.

“He was the first person to prise open my own heart to the wonder of the past, the strength of responsibility truly great teachers hold, as well as to the potential goodness of humankind.

“I owe my three history degrees to his strength, wisdom, depth, courage, and kindness.”

Another former student of his and a university graduate turned Greater Manchester nurse, Sophie Williams, added: “Dan was a dedicated educator whose passion for teaching and commitment to his students left a mark on the lives of all who had the privilege of learning from him.

“His love for his students and his profession was evident in every lesson he taught and every interaction he had. We loved him.”

“He was known for his patience, empathy, and ability to make learning engaging and meaningful. He always went above and beyond for his students (even after they had left school) to ensure that they felt valued and empowered.

“His classroom was a space where curiosity thrived, and every student was encouraged to reach their full potential.”

“He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the hearts of his students, colleagues, and everyone who knew him. His influence will continue to resonate in the lives of the countless people who were fortunate enough to know him, and his spirit will live on in the stories shared by all.”

Put simply by the Wilkinson family in a tribute along with a donation on his JustGiving page back in 2023, they described him as “a teacher who always went the extra mile.”

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As mentioned, not only are mental health awareness and suicide prevention work in dire need of

Last but not least, from one more of his former pupils, on a personal note, there’s only one more thing to say – thanks for everything, sir.

‘Do it for Dan, you and yours’. Rest in peace x

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Featured Images — Lisburne School/Supplied