School reeling over double tragedy

Rashid Hussain

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By Karen Doherty and Charlotte Court

SHOCKED staff and students at The Radclyffe School have been devastated by the deaths of a 13-year-old pupil and a popular young teacher within two days of each other.

The Chadderton school’s Charlotte Haggerty (29), who taught English, lost her battle with a rare form of ovarian cancer in the early hours of Valentine’s Day. Her funeral takes place at Rochdale Crematorium today.

Year nine student Rashid Hussain, who died on February 12, was described as a lovely lad whose smile would “light up any room”. A floral tribute and books of condolence will be placed at the Hunt Lane school.

Head teacher Hardial Hayer said: “We have had a terrible week.”

Charlotte, who lived in Rochdale and had a four-year-old son, Ollie, joined the school as a newly-qualified teacher in September 2009. Husband Lee, whom she married after being diagnosed in February 2013, said: “She was an amazing person. I had 12 years with her, which were the best 12 years of my life. All she wanted to be was a teacher, a wife and a mother. It’s going to be really tough without her.”

Lee described her dedication to the job and desire to continue after her diagnosis: “The difference with Charlotte was that she just kept going. Even during the two years she had cancer, she was given a promotion. She was very highly regarded.”

Lee has asked for donations to be given to Springhill Hospice in Rochdale, where Charlotte spent her final days.

“The hospice was fantastic and helped to manage her symptoms so she could be at home on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, which was really important for us,” he said.

Head teacher Mr Hayer said Charlotte was such a strong fighter, many pupils and staff would not have realised she was ill.

He said: “She was a wonderful teacher but an even better human being. We miss her terribly. Her results with the students were simply outstanding and she was absolutely committed to our school and our students.”

Rashid was born with a heart condition and was small for his age, but the Manchester United supporter didn’t let that stop him playing football with his brothers.

He collapsed in his mother’s lap on his brother’s 16th birthday after visiting the doctor following a fall on a treadmill.

His dad, Nasir (35), of Latimar Street, Glodwick, said: “He was the heart and soul and the star of the family. He was loved by everyone.

“He liked Manchester United and I said I would take him to Old Trafford when he was 16.

“He also enjoyed playing football with his brothers, liked being at home on his computer and on his phone chatting with his favourite aunt. He was very close to her.”

Rashid attended Glodwick Infants and Horton Mill Primary schools and leaves five brothers and sisters: Wajid and Amir, who both attend Radclyffe School, Mohammed Ibraheem, Zulaikha and Sonia.

His funeral was held at Greengate Mosque on Thursday. The cause of death is being investigated.

Heather Hunt, year nine manager at Radclyffe, said: “Rashid was such a lovely young man and he leaves such a big hole in our year group.”