School memorial service for popular Shropshire teacher
A Shropshire school was today holding a memorial service to a popular teacher who died suddenly of a suspected heart attack aged just 37.
Published
Staff and students at Thomas Adams School in Wem were joining together to remember English teacher Gareth Utting.
The father of three was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on the evening of Wednesday, April 2, after he was suddenly taken ill, and died while at A&E of what is thought to have been a heart attack.
Mr Utting, of Cherry Drive, Ellesmere, leaves his wife Alison and children Sam, 14, Ioan, four, and Catrin, one.
He had taught at Thomas Adams for 10 years and ran the school's poetry club.
Formerly of St Martins, Mr Utting was a leader of the St Martins Beaver Scouts, as well as a martial arts instructor in Eskrima. He was an active member of Penycae Neighbourhood Church of the Nazarene, based in the village between Chirk and Wrexham.
A funeral for Mr Utting will be held on Monday, April 14 at 11am at Ellesmere Parish Church.
His family say all are welcome and have requested informal dress and cheerful colours.
Sixth formers are organising a students versus staff football match in memory of Mr Utting on May 7.
It will take place on Wem Town Football Club's pitch at 4.15pm.
Tickets will be £1 and each player will pay £3 with all money going to a fund for Mr Utting's family.
The event has already sold more than 100 tickets, which are available at student reception in lower school.
