AN “inspirational” teacher braved the “excruciating” pain of a battle with cancer to continue teaching right up until his death.

The heartbroken family of David Stobbs, 40, have paid tribute after he died following a 20 month fight with colon cancer.

Mr Stobbs, known as Dave, of Noyna Road, Foulridge, died at home after continuing to spend the final two years of his life in the place he knew best - the classroom.

He remained teaching despite undergoing constant treatment and chemotherapy and was planning to be back at school as head of design and technology at Mount Carmel RC High School, in Accrington, this week after half term before his death.

His colleagues at school said he was an “amazing man” and added that he had a “huge amount of courage and fortitude” to continue teaching until the end.

His wife, Alison, said the fact that he wanted to carry-on teaching was a testament to his ‘determined’ nature.

Mr Stobbs, who died last Friday, worked as a graphic designer before moving into teaching.

The keen golfer and film-lover spent 11 years teaching at Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School, where he had previously been a pupil, before moving to Mount Carmel in 2006.

He was taken ill last week and died at home, surrounded by loved ones.

Alison said: “Dave was a quiet, gentle, sensitive man with a big personality, who was an inspiration both in his teaching and life in general.

“He was well-loved and respected by all who knew him. He was very determined not to let this thing beat him and just got on with things.

“There were times that he was very ill and in pain but he kept going.”

Mr Stobbs first met Alison at Rhyddings Business & Enterprise School, where they both taught, 13-years-ago.

The pair were together for a total of 10 years and married in March 2005.

Alison said her husband was always a fan of outdoor activities, but became even more outgoing after he was diagnosed with the disease.

She added: “He learned to ballroom dance for our wedding - he really enjoyed it and despite not being very good to begin with, he became very proficient.

“When he was ill we took every opportunity we had to go off travelling and went on big holidays to Mauritius and Japan. He became a bit of a hedonist.”

Dave, the son of Geoff Stobbs, of Accrington, and Maureen Stansfield, of Dorset, also leaves behind stepfather Alan and pet dog Wilf.

Joanne Meredith, deputy headteacher at Mount Carmel RC High School, paid tribute to the teacher she described as a ‘nice and caring man.’ She added: “It is a very sad time for us all. Mr Stobbs had been back in with cancer for the last two years with a huge amount of courage and fortitude.

“He was an amazing man who didn’t want to make any fuss and was determined to give the children the same quality of teaching they have always had.

“He will be much missed by the teachers and children.”

Mr Stobbs’ funeral will be held at Christ Church, Nelson, at 10.30am, on Thursday November 6, followed by cremation at Burnley Crematorium.

Family flowers only, but donations may be sent to MacMillan Cancer Support Fund.

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