A POPULAR geography teacher died after a short, brave battle with cancer.

Colleagues, pupils, friends and family were shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Paul Wright, who worked at The Ryleys School in Alderley Edge.

His death came less than two weeks after that of Wilmslow High School PE teacher Sue Hool who died of pneumonia on December 23.

The 51-year-old teacher, who lived in Whaley Bridge, in the High Peak, Derbyshire, with his wife Angelika, had taught at the school for the past 12 years.

Headteacher Pat Barrett said Mr Wright, head of geography and design and technology, was still on staff at the school while having chemotherapy at The Christie Hospital in Manchester.

He was in the school to see colleagues before Christmas, but died on Saturday, January 2.

Paul leaves behind his widow who is distraught at his death and struggled to speak about the loss of her husband. She said he was passionate about environmental issues and was in the process of fitting solar panels to his home. He also loved the outdoors and was a keen walker and scuba diver.

Mrs Wright said he will be remembered for his great zest of life, his kindness and his infectious smile.

She also praised the staff at The Christie: "I cannot put in to words how fantastic the staff at The Christie have been, they constantly re-assured us and were a source of great support."

Shocked staff and pupils from The Ryleys have sent their sympathies to Mr Wright’s family.

Born in Nottingham in 1958, his teaching career spanned over 28 years.

Starting at Henbury High School, he then moved on to teach at St John’s C of E school in Macclesfield before joining The Ryleys.

Headteacher Pat Barratt said: "Paul was an exceptional teacher and he will be greatly missed by everyone at The Ryleys.  Over the years he has inspired generations of pupils with his boundless enthusiasm and dedication and his loss is keenly felt. All our thoughts are with his wife Angelika and his family at this time."

Mr Wright’s funeral took place yesterday, Wednesday, January 13, at St Philips and St James Church, in Alderley Edge.

The family requested donations, instead of flowers, to The Christie Hospital.