The family of an "extremely fit" dad who died with coronavirus are calling for teachers to be vaccinated as a priority after his death.
Paul Hilditch, originally from Wirral, was a much-loved teacher and his death prompted an outpouring of tributes.
Paul died on December 27, aged 55, and had no underlying health conditions. He loved walking and the outdoors and his family had rarely known him to even catch a cold.
Paul grew up in Willaston and lived there for 22 years before moving to pursue his teaching career, where his three children Emily, 28, Adam, 26, and Camille, 24, said he inspired so many with his passion for life and learning.
Paul's family previously paid touching tributes to the "truly wonderful and loved" family man who "will be so missed by all who were lucky enough to have had the pleasure of his company".
The technology teacher's daughter Camille told Sky News she believes teachers should be on the Covid vaccine priority list.
She said: "If they're going to send them into schools, you know, they need to be vaccinated. I personally think they shouldn't be back until they've been vaccinated."
The family who are still in "complete shock" say their dad's death has left a "heartbreaking gap in their lives".
Emily said: "Dad was an extremely fit guy, this is something we never expected could happen to him.
"We are all still in shock."
The siblings said Paul made a "colossal impact" on their lives. And his love for life and positive outlook will always inspire them.
Paul lived in Heighington Village, near Newton Aycliffe, and had been teaching at Conyers School in Yarm for four years at the time of his death.
During his career he also taught at schools in County Durham, including Wellfield Community School in Wingate and Sunnydale School in Shildon.
His children said technology was a subject which he always found fascinating, and he took great pride in passing his extensive knowledge on to the next generation.
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Outside of his career, Paul's hobbies and interests were vast.
A keen historian, Paul helped to set up one of the largest re-enacting groups in the UK. Over 15 years, his Northern World War Two Association ignited a passion for history in hundreds of people across the area.
His love for the outdoors gave his family countless fond memories of their walks together.
His children added: "Only in the summer, Dad helped us descend a mountain in the Lake District via compass bearings after a thick fog obscured our path.
"In the local area, he was captivated by the beauty of the River Tees.
"We share his passion for the outdoors. And when we revisit the countless paths we shared with Dad, it’ll feel like he’s alongside us.
"When we look at our own lives; our passions, career paths in the technology industry, and (questionable) music tastes, we are only beginning to appreciate the colossal impact dad had on our own journeys."
