A 14-year-old student died suddenly after having a medical episode at Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, England on Tuesday.
According to multiple reports, Ted Sanderson collapsed while at school. Emergency services responded immediately to help Ted after collapsing in class and rushed him to James Cook University Hospital.
But they could not save the teenager’s life, and he passed away while still at school. The cause of death is not yet known, the Daily Mail reported.
Family and friends have been paying tribute to the aspiring teacher, who was passionate about music and fishing.
Lynn Wilson, his grandmother, said: ‘He was a gorgeous boy. He knew everything.
‘He was so much fun and he had so much character. He was perfect.
‘He loved everything about life. I can’t think how we are going to live without him. We are going to have to get through this together.’
Describing the last time she saw him on Tuesday, she said: ‘He went down the drive. Before he went out I said “I love you, have a good day” and he said “I love you nan”.
‘He was scrunching up his hair the way he always did to make it as big as he could.
‘Half an hour later we got a call from the school to say he had collapsed. We didn’t know what had happened but then there was no coming back.’
Ted, who lived with his grandparents Lynn and Keith and his dad Eddie, was described as ‘loving life’ and wanted to become a teacher in either history or RE.
Mrs Wilson added: ‘He just loved life. He did so much. He loved his country sports and his airsoft and nerf ward.
‘He was very full of life. He was proud to be a geek.’
A remembrance service was held at Woodham Academy yesterday, with the headmaster describing Ted as a ‘wonderful young man.’
Headteacher Andrew Bell added: ‘He was outgoing, friendly, thought provoking, articulate and to some degree, quirky.
‘Staff have taken great pride in describing their relationship with Ted, highlighting his enthusiasm for life, his willingness to give opinions, but also listen to the opinions of others.
A GoFundMe page was initially set up to pay for a bench to be placed on the grounds of his school, but someone has pledged that they will pay for a bench of the family’s choosing, according to the fundraising page. “So any donations will be sent to James Cook Children’s Unit, who fought so hard to save him.”
To donate, click HERE.