UK declares record-high 55,892 cases and another 964 deaths as SAGE warns even a brutal lockdown with schools shut for almost ALL children might not be enough to contain mutant Covid amid fears restrictions will last into summer
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Scientists today said they expect relentless lockdown cycle to carry on through spring and into summer 2021
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Diana Hilditch (above) said she didn t get the chance to see her son, Paul, 55, in hospital to say goodbye before he died of coronavirus
The heartbroken mother of a secondary school teacher who died from Covid-19 just two days after Christmas said she didn t get the chance to see him in hospital to say goodbye.
Teesside teacher and divorced father-of-three Paul Hilditch, 55, had no known underlying health conditions and it is not yet clear how he caught the virus.
His mother, Diana, told MailOnline today: I am absolutely heartbroken. It is just such a terrible thing to have lost him. He had no underlying health conditions. He even climbed mountains.
Absolutely heartbreaking : Parents and pupils pay tribute to teacher who died aged just 55 after contracting covid-19
Paul Hilditch who taught at Conyers School died in hospital on December 27
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Thank you for subscribingWe have more newslettersShow meSee ourprivacy notice Paul Hilditch, who taught engineering and technology at Conyers School in Yarm, died after contracting coronavrius.
One parent of a pupil said: My son really took to him and the way he taught. Absolutely heartbreaking, thoughts and love to his family.
Another posted: Such a terrible loss. My daughter thought he was a great teacher. My thoughts go out to his family.
The Headteacher of Conyers School, Louise Spellman, said she and members of her staff were deeply saddened at the sudden loss of their colleague and friend. Paul was a fantastic teacher who thought so much of his students and really gave his all to ensure they achieved their best, added Ms Spellman.
Teacher Paul Hilditch passed away from a COVID-19 infection (Image: Teeside Live/Getty)
Tributes paid to much loved and inspirational teacher after death following covid-19 infection
Engineering and technology teacher Paul Hilditch was described as a truly brilliant teacher who inspired his pupils
20:21, 29 DEC 2020
Updated
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