Nominated Teacher, Mrs. Jerrom was presented with one of the first bears awarded following the Company launch by Mrs. Sandy Dixon, on behalf of the AWAAIRE Bear Team. This was presented as the 24th AWAAIRE Bear to Mrs. Jerrom who was delighted to receive the new addition to her classroom. Nominated Teacher, Mrs. Jerrom Headteacher: Mrs. J Allen Queen's Inclosure Primary School , Waterlooville

'In Memory of a Friend' Keen cyclists James Elliot and Mike Hatch took to their saddles to raise money for AAIR.

Both men cycled 100 miles across the South Downs Way in memory of their friend Victoria Foss, who recently died of asthma. James Elliot said: 'We both like cycling and thought we wanted to do something to raise money for asthma research and to remember Vikki'.

The friends took to their bikes on 27th July.

James and Mike completed their marathon ride and raised money directly to support AAIR, Asthma Allergy and Inflammation Research based at Southampton General Hospital .

Launching the AWAAIREBEAR Company at the 2008 SCITT Student's end of year graduation party Nigel Foss, father to Vikki, said:

'I can hear her cheering, we have had bad days, and there are days when I have difficulty coming to terms with what happened. But I feel that if Vikki was here today she would be saying "go for it, Dad", 'The bears don't have Vikki's name on but she is there on our website. And somebody doesn't die if they are in your heart and in your memory, and this is one way people will remember Vikki.'

The cuddly toys are called Awaairebears, taking in the name of the Asthma, Allergy and Inflammation Research charity AAIR. Mr & Mrs Foss paid for the first batch, but hopes sponsors will pay for others to be donated to teachers in the future.

All profits raised through the scheme will go to AAIR at Southampton General Hospital in aid of asthma research. He told the newly-qualified teachers: 'I hope it is big enough that it can't be shoved in the back of a cupboard, and if the children get distressed they can give it a hug, even though Vikki is not here with you today, you all have our heartiest congratulations for where you have got to and where you are going.'

Almost every student in Vikki's class is starting a job in September, yet all have received a bear as we have the greatest support that their success and wish all the best in the future. Want to find out more about the Portsmouth SCITT Group, Click Here.