Staff and pupils are in shock after the sudden death of a much-loved teacher who collapsed in the school playground.
Mark Hargreaves, an assistant headteacher at St Gabriel's RC High School in Bury, 'suddenly fell ill' while on lunchtime duty on Thursday. Staff provided medical assistance with one parent telling us how pupils looked on as CPR was given and he was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care.
Sadly he passed away surrounded by his family on Friday evening. Parents received a letter from school today, Monday, sharing details of the tragedy.
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In it, Chris Foley, catholic senior executive leader for the St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust, said: "We are certain you will join us in reflecting on the difference Mark made to so many lives and young people during his years of distinguished service at St Gabriel's."
The school has since released a statement paying tribute to the 'inspiring' teacher. It said: “On Thursday, our long serving colleague, Dr Mark Hargreaves, suddenly fell ill while doing a job he both loved and cherished. The emergency services were immediately called when the severity of the situation became clear. Tragically, Mark passed away on Friday evening surrounded by his family.
“Mark will be remembered as a kind, compassionate and loyal colleague, who each and everyday gave his very best for our students. He was an inspiring teacher. Staff and pupils, both past and present, will cherish the lessons he taught and the support he gave.
“We are all devastated by this loss, and will continue to pray for him and his family. Over the coming days and weeks our priority is to come together as a community so that we can start to grieve and heal after this tragedy. We will, of course, also be offering any support we can to Mark’s family.
“When the time is right, our community will find suitable ways to commemorate Mark’s life and the huge difference he made to so many of us. There are young people whose aspirations and achievements have been forever enhanced by Mark’s dedication and expertise.
“We now ask that we all keep Mark, and his family, in our prayers. We will feel his loss more keenly as each day passes, so we ask for privacy, compassion and prayers over the coming weeks.”
A parent told us that pupils were upset after witnessing the tragedy unfold and the older pupils in particular are 'devastated' having known Mr Hargreaves for so long.
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