THE memory of a much-loved and larger-than-life character will live on at a school through a gesture to boost road safety.

People lined O’Leary Street in Orford outside Beamont Primary School to applaud the funeral procession of Ste Rowley in April.

The 51-year-old, of Bewsey, tragically died in March following a serious collision on the M62 at Burtonwood.

The father-of-eight, who was married to Maz, worked as a maintenance officer at Beamont and at Warrington Primary Academy Trust (WPAT), which paid tribute to him in the days that followed.

Heartfelt words were also offered by Bank Quay Bulls ARLFC, at which he was a parent and someone who went ‘above and beyond’ for the club, while the Warrington Guardian was sent hundreds of tributes from devastated readers.

A GoFundMe page was set up in Ste’s memory, with all donations going towards supporting his family in saying their final goodbyes and giving Ste the fitting send-off he deserved.

This raised more than £4,000, and the remaining amount was used by his family to buy road safety measures, which have been donated to Beamont Primary School.

Maz said: “As a family, we decided to use the remaining money from donations after Ste's death to put towards something that was meaningful to him.

Tributes were paid to Ste Rowley following his tragic death

Tributes were paid to Ste Rowley following his tragic death

“Ste was very passionate about the safety of the children around all of his schools, but especially Beamont.

“Parking on the yellow zig-zags outside the school was his worst pet hate, and he would spend lots of time outside monitoring parking before and after school.

“We thought what better way to use this money than for something Ste was very passionate about.

“So, as a family we chose to buy the little parking people in the hope that it will help to keep children of the school safe, just as Ste wanted.”

Head teacher Karen Morris added: “We are incredibly grateful to the Rowley family for this generous donation. 

"We all know just how passionate Ste was about helping to keep the children safe as they made their way to and from school.

"As Maz and her family say, Ste would have greatly approved of this lovely gesture.”

A tribute by the school following news of his sad passing read: “Ste was woven into the fabric of Beamont Primary School and Warrington Primary Academy Trust.

“Many of you will have known Ste. He was a larger-than-life personality who endeared himself to everyone he met.

“His personality was as vibrant as his unique look. When he entered a room, you knew about it, and it was a rare occasion when you did not part company with Ste without feeling a little bit better about life.”