A community has been left in shock following the tragic sudden death of a schoolboy after he collapsed during class.

Ted Sanderson, 14, died on Tuesday after collapsing at Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe.

He was taken to James Cook University Hospital but sadly died, despite desperate attempts to save his life.

There has been an outpouring of grief for Ted, who was passionate about music, loved fishing and shooting and wanted to one day become a teacher.  

The Northern Echo: Ted with his grandparents Lynn and Keith and cousin Dean Ted with his grandparents Lynn and Keith and cousin Dean

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His sudden death has left his family, friends and wider school community in shock.

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 though this together.”

The Northern Echo: Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of Ted Sanderson Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of Ted Sanderson

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.”

The cause of death is not yet known.

Ted, who lived with his grandparents Lynn and Keith and dad Eddie, was known for his love of bass and rock music, his big hair and for his love for fun.

As well as fishing and shooting, he also loved spending his Sundays playing Airsoft with friends, nerf gun wars and games.

At school, he was particularly interested in history and RE and hoped one day to go to university and become a teacher in one of those subjects.

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.”

The Northern Echo: Ted with his aunt Mel and dad EddieTed with his aunt Mel and dad Eddie

A remembrance service was held at Woodham Academy today (Wednesday).

In a touching letter to other pupils at the school, headteacher Andrew Bell said: “Ted was simply a wonderful young man. 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.

"Ted took a really active role in school life, with interests including music, art, English and Religious Studies. Ted shared a love of rock music with Dr Lycourinos, and they had many exchanges regarding their passion for the genre. Similarly, Miss Thomas was so proud of how Ted could inspire an entire class to listen to his extensive knowledge of niche topics such as the C.I.A., the troubles in Northern Ireland and gun law. He truly was a remarkable young man."

The Northern Echo: Ted with his mum Angie Ted with his mum Angie

Support is being provided for pupils affected by the death and a space has been dedidated at the school for floral tributes to him. 

Thousands of pounds have already been raised in his memory after a Go Fund Me page was set up. 

There are plans to install a bench in his memory at the school, with all the additional money raised sent to the children’s unit at James Cook University Hospital.

More than £3,000 was raised in less than 24 hours. 

To donate visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pzk8sp-teddy

He is survived by parents Eddie and Angela, grandparents Lynn and Keith Wilson, aunt Mel Reid-Wilson and her wife Katie.

The Northern Echo: Ted with his aunt Mel Ted with his aunt Mel

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