Tribute to Kidderminster College lecturer Dave Chipp who died of Covid

Dave Chipp, from Stourport, was wheelchair-bound with muscular dystrophy (MD) but heartbroken friend Louise Hill said he had "years and years in front of him" and had been looking forward to being vaccinated and getting back to "some sort of normal".

Tributes have been paid by colleagues and pupils at the college, where Dave taught computer games, and a fundraising page has been set up for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Dave and Louise on the train heading for one of their 'adventures'

Dave, who was due to celebrate his 38th birthday next month, died at Worcester Royal hospital last week after contracting Covid.

He lived with his mother, Angela, 76, who is recovering from Covid at home.

Louise, who became a friend of Dave’s through her stepbrother when they were fellow pupils at Middle School, had set a target of raising £500 but has already reached nearly double that as news spreads of the tragic death.

“He was a fabulous friend and people have been paying lovely tributes. He was so loved.

Dave and Louise at a Spice Girls concert

“He had only just bought himself a new, custom-made wheelchair after years of discomfort in his old one, and he was so looking forward to using that.”

She said his MD "never let it stop him" and he would go on wonderful adventures, often in his adapted Volkswagon van with wheelchair ramp

Dave had been in a wheelchair from his school days, but went to Teeside University where he completed a masters, and has been a lecturer at Kidderminster College for many years.

Dave and Louise in the park

He was also a magistrate, said Louise, and had an "amazing social life".

“He adored going to gigs, watching sport, going to the cinema and of course, his computer games! Top Gun was his favourite film.”

“Please help me in raising money in memory of my amazing, inspirational, wonderful and absolutely hilarious friend.

“Taken far too soon, he had years left in him.”

To donate, go to gofund.me/1d645ad1.