Tavistock College goes green for James and raises £1,000

19 January 2026

The staff and students of Tavistock College in Devon found a joyful and fitting way to remember a much-loved colleague in December, raising more than £1,000 for life-saving liver research in the process.

On Monday 1st December, the College marked what is set to become an annual tradition: Brussels Sprouts Day. The event was held in memory of Mr James Stroud, a popular young teacher who sadly died in August following a short illness linked to an underlying liver condition.

James was well known around the school for his sense of humour and his legendary Brussels Sprouts Christmas suit, which he proudly wore each festive season. Fittingly, December 1st is also his birthday, making it a natural moment for people to come together in his honour.

Remembering James in a way he'd have loved

Students and staff were encouraged to go all in, wear green, buy Brussels Sprouts badges and throw themselves into the spirit of the day. The refectory didn't disappoint either, serving sprouts in just about every form imaginable. There were sprouts with bangers and mash, sprout-inspired salads and even sprout-themed cakes, complete with generous amounts of green food colouring.

There was loads of laughter and plenty of smiles, but the day was about more than just having fun. It gave the school community something positive to come together around after a difficult year, and a chance to remember James in a way that felt true to who he was – warm, funny and completely himself.

“The day gave us something uplifting to hold onto,” said James Buchanan, Principal of Tavistock College. “We all miss James very much, and this felt like a way to remember him that he would have loved.”

Thanks to the generosity of students, families and staff, the event raised over £1,000 for the Foundation for Liver Research, helping support vital work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of liver disease.

James Stroud was known for his warmth, wit and much-loved Brussels Sprouts Christmas suit.

The College has extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a success, from those who cooked, organised and donated, to everyone who took part. As the hashtag of the day summed it up perfectly, this was all about #TeamTavistock.

Brussels Sprouts Day might have been light hearted, but its impact will last far beyond December, honouring James’s memory while helping others affected by liver disease in the future. From everyone at The Foundation for Liver Research, thank you so much to everyone who made this fantastic day posssible.

Want to save lives by raising funds in tribute to a loved one? Get in touch today at fundraising@researchinliver.org.uk

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