session data and logout

I have this oddball requirement where an authenticated user is logged in so I can create a session variable to use elsewhere then do logout(request),so far so good, but it appears that my session variable is destroyed by the logout. 
Now I honestly thought that this wouldnt be the case as in settings.py I use the session expire on browser close.
Anyone have any insight they can offer as to why the session variable os deleted and how to overcome it and retain the value?

Cheers

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