Dozens of people turned out in Darlington this afternoon for the funeral of a much-loved Darlington teacher and dad-of-five.

Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Cockerton, Darlington, was filled with more than 150 family members and friends of Chris Greaves, who died earlier this month.

The popular higher-level teaching assistant at Wyvern Academy, loved by many for his kind and caring nature, taught maths to children with special educational needs.

The Northern Echo: The funeral took place at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Cockerton, Darlington. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe funeral took place at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Cockerton, Darlington. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Read more: 'Please get help': Darlington wife's plea after dad-of-five's tragic death at 47

Chris' wife, Rachel, previously told The Northern Echo: “He had such a bubbly personality and sadly took his own life after his mental health declined.

“I just want other people to know that if they’re struggling please speak up and get help.

“He has left behind his legacy, our beautiful children.”

The Northern Echo: Chris Greaves died on Thursday, July 7 2022. Picture: THE GREAVES FAMILYChris Greaves died on Thursday, July 7 2022. Picture: THE GREAVES FAMILY

I’ll Be Missing You by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans was played as mourners flocked into the church to say their goodbyes and pay their respects. 

Chris was born in Darlington in 1974 to parents, John and Cath. He went on to attend Hummersknott School.

Robert, Chris’ father-in-law, read a touching eulogy, recalling how his daughter, Rachel, had met Chris in Darlington in the year 2000.

She mustered up the courage to ask if he had a girlfriend. He said no but did convince Rachel he was a fireman.

On their first date, he eventually confessed that he actually worked for Stanley Vickers Engineering in Middlesbrough.

Read more: School's touching tribute after Darlington teaching assistant dies just 47

The Northern Echo: A touching floral tribute from Chris' wife, Rachel. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTA touching floral tribute from Chris' wife, Rachel. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

They tied the knot in 2007 and went on to have three sons; William, Oliver and Edward. Grandchildren Ciaran, Harry, Grace and Lily followed.

Visiting Hours by Ed Sheeran was played while everyone reflected and recalled their favourite memories of the popular teacher

More memories were shared on behalf of the family, including holidays to Egypt, Turkey, Ibiza and Centre Parcs.

Read more: Leave your tributes here to Darlington teaching assistant and dad after sudden death

Another fond memory shared was Chris dressing up as Father Christmas each year, and he was so convincing that his children never guessed the real identity of the man in the big red suit.

The Northern Echo: The dad-of-five was very popular at Wyvern Academy. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe dad-of-five was very popular at Wyvern Academy. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Chris’ love of nature was also remembered in a eulogy, and how he regularly took the family’s two dogs for walks by the river at Low Coniscliffe.

The former Mowden Park Rugby Club player taught his sons, Oliver and Edward, to play rugby and could not believe it when they said they wanted to play for Darlington instead of Mowden Park.

While everyone left the church, Reach by S Club Seven played, and donations were made for Winston’s Wish, a childhood bereavement charity.

The Northern Echo: Roughly 150 people paid their respects and said a final goodbye to Chris. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTRoughly 150 people paid their respects and said a final goodbye to Chris. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Read more: Plans submitted for huge temporary solar farm on outskirts of Darlington

  • The Northern Echo attended with permission from the Greaves family.

If you are in need of support you can contact the following:

- Samaritans is available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258

- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58

- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust crisis line 0800 0516 171.

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here.

Read next: