A NEW charity celebrating the legacy of a popular Suffolk art teacher has received its first major donation after Co-op chiefs contributed �1,000.

A NEW charity celebrating the legacy of a popular Suffolk art teacher has received its first major donation after Co-op chiefs contributed �1,000.

The Kate Talmadge Art Travel Award will offer an annual bursary for less advantaged students in the county giving them the opportunity to visit galleries or destinations they may never otherwise experience.

Kate Talmadge, 27, passed away on January 15 as she slept at her home in Thorney Road, Capel St Mary, where she lived with her parents.

She was a well-known figure in Ipswich and Stowmarket having taught hundreds of students at Holywells High School as an art teacher prior to moving to a new role at Combs Middle School last September.

Conceived by her family and backed by The Evening Star, Suffolk County Council, the East of England Co-op and Ipswich Hospital, the new charity in Kate's name will rely on donations from members of the public and businesses.

The East of England Co-op today announced the first major donation to the new scheme - �1,000 provided through its network of travel stores, including a branch in Manningtree and across Essex.

Richard Samson, Chief Executive of the East of England Co-operative Society, said: “As a local business with an involvement in many areas of the community, we are delighted to support this excellent scheme to provide a lasting memorial to Kate.

“To help make these ambitious plans a reality, we are happy to commit to providing travel services worth �1,000 through our Co-operative Travel business which we operate across Essex, to ensure that talented local youngsters will benefit from this lasting legacy, especially those who would not normally have the opportunity to extend their learning in this way.”

Kate's father Steve Talmadge said: “I'm just so pleased that other people want to help those less fortunate than themselves to travel and do the things that Kate felt important.”

A large number of people are expected to turn out for Miss Talmadge's funeral which will take place tomorrow at Tattingstone Church from 1pm.

Miss Talmadge's family have requested family flowers only and for any donations to go to the Kate Talmadge Art Travel Award, or the Happy Heart Campaign at Ipswich Hospital.

- Would you like to pay tribute to Miss Talmadge? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk or click on the Evening Star website at www.eveningstar.co.uk

People or businesses who want to make a donation to Kate's fund should address donations to: The Kate Talmadge Art Travel Award, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP41AN.

Cheques should be made payable to The Kate Talmadge Art Travel Award.