A POPULAR teacher who tragically died in a house fire has been described as a ‘truly inspirational and amazing man’ who ‘brought out the best in people.’
Blaze not suspicious, say investigators
Timothy Matthews was a drama and media studies teacher at Egglescliffe School, where scores of floral tributes have been left.
Durham Police have confirmed that the 48-year-old died in a house fire in Lewes Road, in Darlington, in the early hours of Friday (June 12) morning.
Headteacher Simon White said Mr Matthews played a key role in enrichment opportunities offered to students, such as charity work, clubs and societies and educational trips.
Mr White said Mr Matthews, who had worked at Egglescliffe for more than 13 years, would be an 'incredible miss to the school'.
He said: "He was a tremendous asset to Egglescliffe School. He was a complete role model for the children, in terms of his being of service to others – nothing was every any bother for him.
"He provided so many extra-curricular opportunities.
"One thing that was at the core of his beliefs was to be full of compassion and care.
"The children in his pastoral care had utter respect for him, which is a rare commodity and he had that because of those core values that he lived by.
"He will be an incredible miss to the drama department, to this school, to this family – we believe the school is a family.
"We are sharing the pain at the moment, and our heartfelt condolences go to his family."
"Our thoughts at this sad time are with the family and friends of Mr Matthews."
Following the announcement, past and present pupils at the school took to social media to share their memories and leave tributes to the much-loved teacher.
Writing on Twitter, Ed Gill said: “Can’t believe the news about Mr Matthews – one of the nicest people I’ve met at Egglescliffe. RIP.”
While Torrin Mackay wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Mr Matthews, he was the best of the teachers.”
Lisa Heslop’s tribute read: “So gutted to hear my drama/media teacher from Egglescliffe has lost his life in a fire. RIP Mr Matthews, the world has lost a true legend.”
A Facebook page entitled RIP Tim Matthews, a legend sorely missed, was also set up over the weekend and had attracted scores of tributes from his students, colleagues and friends.
It said: “In memory of Tim Matthews, a man who figured greatly in all the lives of those who had the honour of knowing him.
“He was an inspiration. His wisdom, talent and humour touched us all.”
Writing on the page, Kate Newmarch said: “A great drama teacher to all three of my children who have attended Egglescliffe School. A respected and loved teacher.
“Such a sudden and tragic loss. Thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
While Harry Sugden wrote: “RIP Mr Matthews, not going to be looking forward to drama as much now without you making us laugh. You will be missed deeply by all.”
Former pupil Jodie Booth added: “A great teacher, some of my best school days were in his classes and outside in drama clubs and theatre. Terribly missed.”
Dozens of floral tributes have also been left outside the school gates, while a memorial event is due to be held at 8pm tomorrow (Monday, June 15) at Preston Park, in Middlesbrough, at 8pm.
Emergency services were called to the mid-terraced property in Lewes Road, off Neasham Road, in Darlington, at 2.50am.
Firefighters entered the house and found a man's body upstairs.
WITNESS: Tracy Knight's dramatic picture of flames exploding from the terraced house in Lewes Road, Darlington, in the early hours of Friday
Several neighbouring properties were evacuated during the fire, amid fears it could spread, and the house remained cordoned off throughout the weekend.
Sarah Nattrass, area manager at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As a service we aim to protect and educate the members of our communities about the dangers of fire.
“At a time like this we are reminded of the dangers of fire and urge all residents to take up our offer of free home fire safety advice and to fit smoke alarms in their properties.
"If you already have a smoke alarm, remember to test it once a week.”
For a free home fire safety advice call 08452-234-221 or visit ddfire.gov.uk
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