THE widow of a teacher who fell from a church tower is setting up a bursary for children from less privileged backgrounds to go to one of Oxford's leading public schools.

Jenny Liddiard says she wants to make sure something positive comes from the death of Dr David Brunton, who worked as a teacher at Magdalen College School.

He fell to his death from the top of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin Church in Radcliffe Square on March 20.

Ms Liddiard has also spoken about the bipolar depressive condition that haunted her husband and how she will work to ensure more is known about the condition which he suffered from.

Psychiatrists believe he had been suffering from some sort of bipolar depressive condition which led to him having "ups which were often euphoric" and "downs which could find him mentally exhausted".

Ms Liddiard, 34, who is expecting the couple's first child, said her priority now as the bursary at Magdalen in her husband's memory.

She said: "I am putting my energies into the things I know David would have wanted me to focus on.

"He had been very keen to set up a bursary at the school for less privileged boys. It was really important to him and that's why it is important to me now. I am coping fine.

"I want the bursary to be for boys who show great academic potential but who could not normally afford to attend Magdalen College School."

Ms Liddiard said the bursary idea was only in its early stages but added: "The school will contribute towards paying some of the fees and the memorial fund will pay the remainder.

"I want all local primary schools and secondary schools to know about this and be aware a bursary will be on offer. We would like to encourage all boys across Oxford and beyond to apply."

Ms Liddiard is due to meet the school's development officer soon to discuss the idea further.

She added: "It may be that to start with we only have enough money to fund a boy through sixth form, but I would love in the future for there to be enough funds to pay for boys to go all the way through the school on the bursary."

Andrew Halls, master of the school, said: "I know Jenny is very keen to set up a bursary in David's name to help boys from poorer backgrounds come here and that is an idea we are fully supporting."

Dr Brunton, 39, had worked at Magdalen College School for 12 years. He was head of media studies there and scores of pupils have paid tribute to him as a charismatic, compassionate teacher.

Mr Halls said: "David was an extraordinary, larger than life man with a wonderful, sharp sense of humour.

"He was admired by the boys for his colourful teaching and he held court in a classroom like a flamboyant barrister."

  • If you have fundraising ideas or would like to donate to the bursary in memory of David, email davidbruntonbursary@mcsoxford.org