Former Colwyn Bay headteacher loses fight with disease

Jun 4 2009 by Beth Kennedy, North Wales Weekly News

Former headteacher loses fight against disease

A DEDICATED former Colwyn Bay headmaster who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease has passed away.

Former Rydal Penrhos head Michael James was diagnosed with the disease in 2007, after which he became a strong supporter of stem cell research, where scientists develop human/animal hybrid embryos to study genetic diseases.

Mr James told the Weekly News in 2008: “It holds hope for millions of people. Motor neurone disease is fairly rare, but if you take all the people with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, it’s got to be hundreds of thousands.

“The fact is families are in a situation where managing or comforting the decline is the only thing they can hope for.”

Mr James, 63, underwent several hospital tests after he started to limp. Motor neurone disease involves a group of progressive disorders that destroy the cells that control voluntary muscle activity, including speaking, walking, breathing and swallowing.

Since he was diagnosed, Mr James had led an active lifestyle and became a great deal fitter towards the end of his life.

Rev Phillip Barnett, chairman of Rydal Penrhos governors, said: “The whole of the Rydal Penrhos family is immensely saddened at the news of Michael's passing last week.

“He exercised a distinguished headship over his ten years as principal at Rydal and his vision and energy ensured the successful future of the school.

“He has been a firm friend and colleague to all and our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs James and the whole family.”

His funeral will be held tomorrow at St John’s Church, Colwyn Bay, at 12.30pm.