“You all make me so proud - I love being your lollipop man.”

You can see it in their eyes - he means the absolute world to them, and the feeling is mutual.

For the past five years, John Thompson has been guarding the crossings as he helps children get to and from Barncroft Primary School in Park Lane, Bedhampton. He is always asking children and parents how their days have been, and is adored by everyone in the school community.

Barncroft Primary School in Bedhampton held a surprise assembly for their crossing patrol officer John Thompson. | Sarah Standing

placeholder image — Barncroft Primary School in Bedhampton held a surprise assembly for their crossing patrol officer John Thompson. | Sarah Standing

In March this year, John and his family suffered a devastating blow, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. More than 56,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in England, according to Prostate Cancer UK, with the disease claiming the lives of more than 10,000 men every year.

He was given a start date for his radiotherapy, but pushed it back so that he could finish out the school year, and go through his treatment during the summer holidays. When the new school year began in September, John was quite literally back on his feet - in more ways than one.

As well as returning to work, the beloved lollipop man started walking 100 miles in one month for Prostate Cancer Research. He absolutely smashed his goal, walking a total of 191 miles, and raising £1,095 for charity in the process - as well as now getting the all-clear from the hospital.

Barncroft Primary School in Bedhampton, held a surprise assembly for their Back from left, Suzanne Thompson, daughter-in-law, Kelly Mills, daughter, Michelle Thompson, John's wife, John Thompson, Belinda Collins, daughter, Tina Crouch, daughter, Jo Castillo, daughter and Rachel Law, daughter. Front from left, head girl Francesca, grandaughter Jazmyn Thompson and head boy Matthew. | Sarah Standing

To say congratulations to John, everyone at Barncroft Primary packed into the assembly hall this afternoon (Monday, November 2), where he was presented with gifts, a card signed by the entire school, and a certificate. As an extra surprise, he was joined by his family, as well as the Friends of Barncroft group.

An emotional John said: “You all make me so proud - I love being your lollipop man.”

With thunderous applause and cheering from the children, many of whom hugged him on their way out of the hall, John was joined by family and school members outside, posing in photos for The News.

John Thompson with head boy Matthew and head girl Francesca. | Sarah Standing

Speaking to us before he darted back outside to man the crossing, he added: “I absolutely love my job, and I adore all of these children.

“Being diagnosed with cancer was difficult. I had 21 days of radiotherapy, but I asked to delay the start of my treatment so that I could finish the school year. The hospital was very supportive of that, as was everyone here at the school - they’ve all been brilliant.

“Receiving all these gifts from the school is so lovely - the pupils make me feel so very proud.”

John’s wife, Michelle, said: “I knew he would be nervous, coming in for an assembly. But he really loves his job, and has made every effort to be here every single day.

“It has been a stressful year for us all, but our girls have been great, and so has the school as well.”

Headteacher Sara Mason said: “Ever since I have been at Barncroft, John has been a dedicated and supportive man. The children absolutely love him, and he’s got time for everybody. He’s a huge part of our community - and our family.

“He was hugely missed when he wasn’t around; John is one of a kind.”

John’s fundraising page is still online - to donate, click this link.