Following the outpouring of support for a retired teacher who only has months to live, his art exhibition will move to Watford.

To help as many former students as possible see Keith Sampey, 74, who has terminal pancreatic cancer, his former school will be playing host to his art show for one weekend.

Keith, a father of two, was the headteacher of Alban Wood Junior school from 1989 to 2005.

As part of his “bucket list” he held an art exhibition in Hampstead showing his work and invited former students to come and visit him.

Due to the distance and timings many could not go, so his former colleague Chris Webb who still has connections at the school helped to start the conversation between the two parties.  

Watford Observer: Chris Webb (left) has helped the show move to WatfordChris Webb (left) has helped the show move to Watford (Image: Rebecca Furner)

Keith, who lives in Watford, said: “I think it’s a lovely gesture on the school’s part because it’s been 17 years since I retired.

“It’s now an opportunity to engage with more pupils, it’s extraordinary. I feel very humbled.”

The show will be held at what is now known as Alban Wood Infant School and Nursery, The Brow, Watford on May 13 and 14 from 11am to 2pm.

Keith said: “It’s been wonderful seeing my former students again.

“You rarely get that opportunity to find out what happened to them and what they have done with their lives.

“I haven’t always recognised some people who have visited the show but then I go home, and all these memories come streaming back. It’s been a lovely journey.”

Watford Observer: Keith has enjoyed seeing his former students Keith has enjoyed seeing his former students (Image: Rebecca Furner)

In February, Keith was told he had six to nine months to live and has been receiving support from the Peace Hospice and his family.

He said: “It’s a bit like waiting for Godot.

“Healthwise, it has been very up and down, there are times when I feel quite normal. But it is all about pain management. There is nothing else that can be done for me.

Watford Observer: The exhibition has helped Keith to focus on something other than his health condition. The exhibition has helped Keith to focus on something other than his health condition. (Image: Rebecca Furner)

“The exhibition has been an opportunity to concentrate and focus on something other than my health condition. It’s been joyous to share something I have been doing in my life.”

Tuesday, April 25 exhibition that was in Hampstead has now been cancelled.