Tributes paid to Oldham teacher turned TT rider who has died in a crash on the Isle of Man – Manchester Evening News
Tributes have been paid to a former Oldham teacher turned top motorbike racing driver who died at a race over the weekend.
Experienced rider Chris Swallow, 37, died after a crash during the Senior Classic TT race on the Isle of Man on Saturday.
Mr Swallow died after the horror crash at the Ballaugh Bridge section of the course.
Before emigrating to New Zealand to pursue a career in the sport, he worked as a PE teacher at Blue Coat School in Oldham.
And both the school and former pupils have paid tribute to the family man who is said to have had an adventurous side.
The Cranmer Education Trust, which runs Blue Coat, said: “We are so sorry to hear of Chris Swallow’s tragic death.
(Image: Isle of Man TT Races (Twitter))
“He came to Blue Coat in 2006 as a newly qualified PE teacher, and stayed with us for almost 4 years, until he and his wife emigrated to New Zealand.
“He was a lovely young man and a great teacher who quickly formed excellent relationships with young people.
“He was committed to extra-curricular sport as well as his teaching in school, and with another colleague set up the AM-Mayhem running club, which still continues – students and staff training at 7am on Oldham Edge and competing in local fell races.
“He maintained close ties with many staff at Blue Coat, as well as some former pupils.
“Our hearts go out to his widow and daughters.”
Manchester Evening News journalist Liam Corless, a former pupil of Mr Swallow said: “It has come as a massive shock.
(Image: Macclesfield Express)
“He was so young when he started teaching P.E. at our school and he was obviously still a very young man when he passed away.
“Chris was always a teacher you knew you could have a bit of a laugh with but first and foremost he always wanted us to improve.
“He had a penchant for extreme sports and I remember during one particular school talent show, he performed stunts on a mountain bike over another member of staff.
“My friends and I all have fond memories of being taught by Chris and what has happened is just dreadfully sad.”
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A number of those associated with the event have paid tribute to the rider, who was the son of MotoGP race winner Bill Swallow.
Former GP rider and now commentator Steve Parrish said: “Terrible, tragic news, we lost a lovely smart man yesterday, in an accident at the Classic TT. Chris Swallow loved his racing and proved it with his speed. RIP fella. Thoughts with the whole family.”
Paul Phillips said: “I just want to pass on my sympathies to the friends and family of Chris Swallow who lost his life today. A lovely lad with a lot of talent who oozined retro cool. He will be greatly missed.”
Race organisers The Manx Motor Cycle Club said in a statement: “We regret to confirm that Chris Swallow, 37, from Wellington, New Zealand died today following an accident during the Classic TT Races on the Isle of Man.
“The incident occurred at Ballaugh Bridge during the Senior Classic TT Race.
“Chris was an experienced competitor.
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“He made his debut in the 2007 Manx Grand Prix and was a regular competitor in the Classic TT Races. He achieved two runner-up places in the 2012 Classic Manx Grand Prix – the 350cc and 500cc Races – and was fourth in last year’s Senior Classic TT Race.
“The Manx Motor Cycle Club wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Chris’s family including his father Bill and his wife Jen and children.”
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk