A MEMORIAL garden dedicated to the late wife of TV presenter Simon Thomas has been opened at Sonning C of E School.

Children gathered as Simon and his son Ethan cut the ribbon after a three-month project to install new equipment.

Money for the memorial garden was gathered through fundraising events, organised by a group of parents.

Gemma Thomas died of acute myeloid leukaemia in November 2017, three days after going into hospital, leaving behind eight-year-old Ethan.

Mr Thomas said: “As a family we have been so moved by the support our school has shown us over the last year.

“To raise money in Gemma’s memory and put it towards creating a new and improved quiet garden for all the children to use is an amazing legacy for an amazing mum.”

The former Sky Sports and Blue Peter Presenter announced the death of his 40-year-old wife with a touching message on social media and has since campaigned to raise funds for Maggie’s Centres to help other families affected by cancer.

Luke Henderson, head teacher, added: “The quiet garden redevelopment has been a very special project, initiated by the fundraising efforts of a group of parents in loving memory of Gemma Thomas.

“The newly-developed garden will provide children with beautiful surroundings in which to learn, play, build relationships, develop communication skills and reflect.

“The garden will always be a special place for our school community, a space which we hope will enhance the wellbeing of our children for many years to come. I cannot thank the many individuals and organisations involved enough for their efforts in making this project a reality.”

The school council chose the benches and staff had input into the design to allow it to be not only a garden, but also an outside learning place for children.