Chrissy Rouse's former school has remembered the young motorcycle racer as a man 'local hero and a true gentleman.'
The 26-year-old tragically died following a crash on the opening lap of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship race at Donington Park on Sunday, October 2. He suffered a significant head injury and died in hospital on Thursday, October 6, surrounded by his family.
Alongside his motorcycle racing, Chrissy had worked as a maths teacher at Grace College in Gateshead but left the job last year to pursue his Superbikes dream.
In a moving tribute to Chrissy, Mark Hall, principal of Grace College, said: “I am deeply shocked by this news. I have had the honour of knowing Chrissy as a student and as a fellow educator. At Emmanuel College, the mix of his warm personality and his commitment to excellence shone through all he did.
"When Chrissy completed his teacher training and joined the teaching team at Grace College we were delighted. For as long as I have known him, I have been impressed by his ability to focus.
"Chrissy lived in the moment: when it was time to love and appreciate others, he was deeply focused on being a true friend. When it was time to study, he wouldn’t be distracted by anything.
"When he was planning or delivering his maths lessons, he was unflinching in that too. Staff at Grace College knew him as someone who lit up a room and someone who inspired them to pursue their dreams.
"Chrissy was a man of gentle kindness, of deep integrity, and someone who sought the best in everybody. We will miss him greatly.”
Chrissy was a former pupil at Emmanuel College, joining the Gateshead school as a Year 7 student in 2006.
Matthew Waterfield, principal of Emmanuel College, said: “I, like many staff who knew Chrissy, have been devastated by this news. He was a young man I have always admired so much.
"I remember him well as an Emmanuel student who was always such a delight to work with, a trainee with a gift for communicating and supporting others and, more recently, a trustworthy and exemplary colleague.
“Chrissy was so talented and yet so humble; a rare and most impressive combination. It is for this reason that he was so well-liked and will be so much missed.”
Gavin Clarke, business engagement lead and head of economics at Emmanuel College, hailed the former student and teacher as a 'local hero and a true gentleman.'
“Every penny he earned went into his motorbike racing," he said.
"There was no wealthy backer, it was Chrissy’s dogged determination, grit and true resilience which would eventually take him to the very top, winning the British Superstock Championship in 2022, and then progressing into British Superbikes.
“People warmed to Chrissy wherever he went. His public profile also continued to grow due to his successes off the racetrack, an industry-leading podcast, burgeoning career as a commentator and motorcycling ambassador.
"[He was] a fan’s favourite, local hero and a true gentleman.”
He continued: “His warmth and humour, his courage and commitment were remarkable while Chrissy was with us as both student and teacher. His grit, resilience and courage, as he left to compete at the very highest level, has continued to set a profound example to us all.”
READ NEXT:
- Newcastle motorcycle racer Chrissy Rouse, 26, tragically dies after crash during Bennetts British Superbike Championship
- Thomasz Oleszak, 14, remembered as 'charismatic and loyal friend' by Gateshead school after tragic knife attack
- Hays Travel announces £14.35m profit after saving thousands of Thomas Cook staff
- Fenham taxi driver to help flood victims in Pakistan after generous Geordies raise £25,000
- Inside the Flower Cafe as 'Instagrammable' venue takes over Newcastle's former Starbucks
