Former headteacher dies on camping trip

A former headteacher of Ludlow School has died after suffering a heart attack while on a camping holiday with his wife.

Paul Suthern, 71, of Brimfield, near Ludlow, was also the former deputy headteacher of The Grove School in Market Drayton and a founding member of Market Drayton Rugby Club.

His widow Suzanne, 71, said her husband's death had come as a huge shock.

She said: "We were camping in Filey, preparing to go to my aunt's 90th birthday.

"He had gone for a shower and I found him in the gents' toilets. It was such a shock because he hadn't been ill, I still haven't come to terms with it.

"He was a very keen gardener and was fanatic about cricket and rugby.

"All the in-laws came to him with queries and for advice and it has hit the grandchildren hard."

Mr Suthern collapsed and died on April 22. He leaves his wife, sons Mark, 48, and Chris, 41, daughter Helen, 45, and six grandchildren who range from 19 years-old to 19 months.

Mr Suthern was deputy head at the Grove School for 13 years, until 1985.

Peter Ingham, chairman of governors at the school, said: "He was very well-liked and was a very sincere and dedicated teacher."

Mr Suthern moved to become headteacher of Ludlow School, where he remained until his retirement in July 1998.

Current headteacher Phil Poulton said: "Paul continued to support the school in his role as a diocesan adviser for the diocese of Hereford.

"He was certainly a difficult man to follow and is held in such high esteem – an all-round good person. People always talk about his integrity and warmth but also his passion for the job."

He was a former chairman of Market Drayton RUFC and Rob Thomas, from the club, said he had a major impact on the town.

He said: "He possessed a presence and aura one rarely has the honour to encounter in life and his guidance and kindness was life-changing for many. A truly great man."

A private family cremation will be held but donations can be made to the Meningitis Trust via Victoria Allen Funeral Services in Ludlow.