A convoy of driving instructors drove through the streets of Sunderland to honour a man who died of coronavirus.
Phil Graham, 59, was a driving instructor for nearly a decade and taught hundreds of people to drive in the Sunderland and South Shields areas.
Sadly, Phil, of East Herrington, Sunderland, who was a loving husband to Susan and their three children, died of coronavirus on March 31.
His loved ones said their final goodbyes at his funeral on Monday but due to the coronavirus outbreak the number of people allowed to attend his funeral was limited.
In honour of the driving instructor, his colleagues organised a ‘Guard of Honour’ and followed the hearse from his home to Sunderland Crematorium.
Wearing red and scarves hanging out their windows, around 50 cars followed the hearse on Phil’s final journey.
The tribute was organised by fellow driving instructor Peter Scott who described Phil a lovely bloke and very well respected.
It comes as tributes flooded in on SunderlandLive’s Facebook page from former students who described the dad-of-three as ‘one of a kind’ and ‘great instructor’.
Lauren Taylor said: “One of the nicest men you could ever meet. RIP Phil. Always thankful to for the help you have me and getting me through my test. You were one of a kind. Sending love to your family. Xxxxx”
Christine Barker said: “He was my instructor and got me through my test at 59. He was such a kind gentleman. My thoughts are with his wife and family at this very sad time.”
John Paterson said: “He really was one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet. Rest in peace, Phil.”
While Ali Collier said: “So sorry for the family’s loss, he was a lovely gentleman and a great driving instructor.”
