Tributes paid to teacher who had 'real impact'

Tim Connors' family, friends and colleagues said he was a "brilliant teacher"

Tributes have been paid to a popular teacher who has died from skin cancer at the age of 46.

Tim Connors, who was from Harrogate, taught at Pateley Bridge's Nidderdale High School for more than 20 years.

His funeral was held on Friday following his death from malignant melanoma on 15 September.

The school closed to enable staff and some pupils to attend the service and head teacher Kath Jordan said it was fitting given he had given "half his life" to the school.

Mr Connors had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2017 and had since undergone immunotherapy, participated in clinical trials and later underwent chemotherapy.

Ms Jordan said he had shared his health struggles with some colleagues but had been determined "to keep things business as usual for as long as possible".

She said his death had come as "an enormous shock" to some members of staff and "certainly to our young people".

"He gave almost half his life to this school and so myself, the chair of governors and the CEO of our trust were absolutely in agreement it was the right thing to do and an appropriate mark of respect for Tim that the school should be closed."

Mr Connors had taught PE initially and then humanities at the school, where he had begun working in 2003. He was also a member of the school's pastoral support team.

Ms Jordan said pupils thought him "strict, caring and funny" with some describing him as "absolutely hilarious, their favourite teacher, the best teacher".

The head teacher said Mr Connors had started at the school just before she arrived and she had known him for 21 years.

"He was Nidderdale through and through, a fiercely loyal colleague, immensely proud of our school and his contribution to our school.

"We're a very small school in a close-knit community, so absolutely he had a real impact on so many young lives."

Tim Connors was a keen sportsman, family said

Mr Connors' family said they had been "heartbroken" by his death and described him as a "wonderful father, son, brother, uncle and friend to so many".

"He loved football, cricket and camping and canoeing with his two daughters," they added.

"He was a brilliant teacher and was involved in Scouting for many years."

They said they had been comforted by "so many messages from people telling us how much he helped them and really made a difference to their lives".

Ryan Lockie played cricket with Mr Connors at Markington Cricket Club and said he was "a team player" who helped out whenever needed - plus was a "cracking fielder".

The pair first met when Mr Lockie was taught PE by Mr Connors.

"Then from there we played Sunday league [football] together for Markington and then we started playing cricket about six years ago," he said.

"Obviously in cricket we got sort of past the teaching side of things and getting to that stage where we could have a bit fun together and have a few drinks.

"He was such a nice guy, easy to get on with, such a fun character and fun to be around even when he was battling his illness," he added.

Tim Connors pictured on a tractor arriving at the school's prom

Mr Lockie said the club was planning their own tribute to him.

"We've decided to purchase a bench in his memory, solely funded by donations from his teammates and friends."

He said they plan to put the bench in his favourite spot around the pitch "where he used to watch the game with his girls".

Mr Lockie said they were also looking at putting up photographs of him in the clubhouse and said it was about trying to "find ways to remember Tim".

Ms Jordan said the school was also planning to hold a special memorial service on 17 October at St Cuthbert's Church.

"As a community we will walk together from school up to the church and there will be an event where some of our young people will share their memories of Mr Connors," she added.

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