Family of Darren Blyth honour ‘beautiful soulmate’ and ‘wonderful father’

The loved ones of Darren Blyth, who worked at Stokesley School as a biology teacher have paid tribute following his death.

Mr Blyth, was reported missing after he travelled to Hawthorn Dene, not far from his home in Trimdon Station, County Durham, telling his family he was intending to take photographs.

Sadly, he never returned and after desperate appeals by family, emergency services and the community his body was recovered on Sunday evening.

His wife of 13 years Mel, said her husband has left a huge void in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

She said: "The sadness and pain I feel right now is indescribable, but the huge outpouring of sentiment gives me some comfort. I hope it will provide some comfort to our daughter to know how well loved her dad was, once she is old enough to understand what he meant to so many. I have no surprises in the wonderfully kind comments. I always knew how amazing my husband was. He was the most wonderful father, son and friend to so many. 

"I find it difficult right now to imagine life without my beautiful soulmate. He leaves a huge void in mine and the lives of all who knew him, and leaves us all the richer for knowing him.

"He will be remembered with great love, humour and endless stories of our adventures together.

"My own father used to say 'live everyday as if it were your last, you never know what is around the corner.' My advice to all is “hold on tight to those you love and tell them every day that you love them and how much they mean to you.”

Mrs Blyth also thanked the community, friends and family who helped in the search.

She added: "I would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support. I have been utterly astounded by the humanity and the lengths friends, family and colleagues, as well as complete strangers, were prepared to go in the search for Darren."

Mr Blyth who has two daughters, Abigail, nine, and Katrina, 36, has also been honoured by his school, staff and students.

Earlier this week, Stokesley School headteacher Hannah Millett remebered the 'popular and passionate' teacher and offered support to Mr Blyth's family.

• Read more: School honours 'popular and passionate' teacher Darren Blyth

His eldest daughter Katy Blyth has now released a statement paying tribute to her father, it reads: "My Dad will always be remembered for his laugh, his wicked sense of humour and his passion for life. He was always there for me in times of need and he would always tell rubbish dad jokes to lift the mood.

"He had so many amazing stories about his travels and the live music gigs he’d attended, as well as interesting facts about science and nature. We used to go for walks together and listen to the birds singing and appreciate the nature around us. On our last walk together he played the Easter Bunny, hiding chocolate eggs for Abigail and Tamzin as we walked. When we used to go camping, on a clear night we would star gaze and discuss how amazing the universe is. He absolutely loved life and he always said, 'it’s the little things that matter'.

"His taste in music was very eclectic and he would always be excited about a new underground band he had discovered whilst listening to BBC Radio 6. He was really looking forward to getting back to live gigs once the covid restrictions had lifted. He loved his job, teaching science at Stokesley School and spoke fondly of his current and past students and colleagues.

"I didn’t know my dad when I was growing up, but seeing how he was with my sister Abigail made me wish I’d known him as a child. He was always full of fun, playing games with her, dancing around the living room with her when they watched Strictly Come Dancing and role playing being a school pupil so she could be the teacher.

"He was a great dad to both of us in so many different ways. My house and garden are full of heart shaped rocks he’s given me that he’s picked up on his nature walks, and they will always remind me of how much he loved me. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, his family, friends, students and colleagues alike."

She also showed her appreciation to everyone who helped in the search for her father and asked for privacy at this difficult time.

She said: "I would like to thank everyone for your well wishes and incredible support you have provided, in what has been the hardest time we have ever had to endure as a family. The support from police, mountain rescue, coastguard, RAF, family, friends and the general public has really helped us to get through this and it will always be something we remember and appreciate. It’s now time to think about all the wonderful times we had together and start the healing process. At this time we request privacy for our family. Again, thank you to everyone for your extraordinary support."