Tributes pour in for 'extremely popular' Mansfield teacher after fatal crash

Forty-nine-year-old Sarah Bland, a popular school staff member at the Brunts Academy, died from her injuries after the bicycle she was riding was involved in a collision with a car on Southwell Road West shortly after 4.30pm.

News of her death has sent shockwaves through the close-knit school community and devastated colleagues have left floral tributes at the scene of Saturday’s tragedy.

One tribute read: "It's only been one day at work without you Sarah and we all miss you so much. Love you always, your tech team."

And another simply said: “Larger than life and a smile that will light up the sky. So loved and so missed."

Brunts principal Carl Atkin said Miss Bland would be remembered as ‘an extremely popular and respected’ member of staff.

“It is with great sadness that we have lost a much loved member of staff, Miss Sarah Bland, following a road traffic incident,” he said.

"All of us are very shaken by this news.

"She was an extremely popular and respected member of staff who had dedicated over 11 years of her life to supporting our young people and ensuring that they fulfil their potential and go onto achieve great things.

"This news has had a huge impact on the entire school community and the messages of support have been overwhelming.

"Our thoughts and best wishes are with Sarah’s family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time.”

Parent Clare Brough’s daughter Ciara was in Miss Bland’s class and described her as a ‘helpful, caring teacher’.

She said: “She was a lovely, smiley, helpful, caring teacher – she was very approachable and Ciara has fond memories of talking to her about Wales as that’s where my family are from. "They spoke about happy times there quite often, she loved her job and was so supportive both to parents and the students.

"My heart goes out to them as a family, it’s heartbreaking and so sad.”

Nottinghamshire Police are investigating the fatal collision and have urged anyone with information to contact them immediately.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any dashcam footage should call 101 quoting incident number 534 of 6 March 2021.

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