**Community Pays Tribute to Esteemed Valleys Teacher Who Passed Away Weeks After Cancer Diagnosis**
The Rhondda Fach community is in mourning following the loss of Paul Daniels, a much-admired teacher whose impact was felt far beyond the classroom. Mr Daniels, who was 64, died earlier this month only six weeks after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer, leaving colleagues, former pupils, and his family reeling from the suddenness of his passing.
Throughout his career, Mr Daniels was celebrated not only for his teaching abilities but also for his compassion and generosity. He taught Art, Design Technology, and Graphic Design at Porth Community School for 14 years, earning the respect of hundreds of students. Having retired in 2023, his absence is already keenly felt, as evidenced by the outpouring of grief and warm memories shared online since the sad news was announced.
Reflecting on her father’s life, Isobel Daniels shared heartfelt words about the wider influence Mr Daniels had beyond their immediate family. “He always said he wanted to know he’d made an impact – and the messages we’ve received prove that he absolutely did,” she remarked. Isobel, together with her sister Frances and mother Linda, described a devoted father whose care extended to everyone he knew.
Before embarking on his teaching career, Mr Daniels worked as a graphic designer, a role he valued for the flexibility it offered while raising his young family. Later, he retrained as a teacher, quickly establishing himself as both an inspiring mentor and a trusted confidant for pupils. Isobel reflected, “He was made to be a dad, but teaching was also his calling. He put the same care into his lessons as he did with us.”
Former students have been swift to praise Mr Daniels for his selflessness and guidance. Stories abound of the many hours he spent after school and during holidays, helping students prepare for exams and coursework—often buying art supplies out of his own pocket and offering snacks during revision sessions. One teacher shared an anecdote of his practical generosity: when he noticed a colleague’s Christmas tree didn’t stand straight, he returned the next day having built a sturdy stand. “That was typical of Dad,” Isobel said.
Mr Daniels’s relatable sense of humour and open, warm approach made him a favourite amongst pupils. Past students recall how he provided a listening ear to anyone struggling to fit in, and regularly took a genuine interest in their personal passions, from comic books to music. One tribute described him as “a role model and exemplary teacher”, while another called him, “the kindest teacher I’ve ever had”.
The tributes have not only highlighted his influence on former pupils’ lives but have also offered solace to Mr Daniels’s family. Isobel admitted that while the memories are emotive to read, they have helped transform her grief into a celebration of a life well-lived. “He deserves to be celebrated for the person he was – not just at school, but everywhere,” she said. “He didn’t always realise the difference he made. I wish I could tell him just how much he meant to so many people.”
Even after retirement, Mr Daniels remained actively involved with the school. He would frequently recognise former pupils when out and about, and found great joy in returning to Porth to invigilate exams. “He came back beaming, saying it felt like being a celebrity,” Isobel recalled. Moreover, his encouragement inspired several students to pursue further studies and careers in creative fields, often communicating their potential to parents and guiding them towards their goals.
Mr Daniels’s creativity left its mark at home, too; the family house features many of his art pieces and bespoke furniture. Friends and pupils even fondly remember his distinctive long hair, always neatly styled, which became something of a signature trait.
The Daniels family has expressed profound gratitude to all those who have shared messages, memories, and condolences in recent days. “It’s been emotional, but it’s also what’s kept us going,” Isobel said. She is currently raising awareness and funds for bowel cancer research by running 62 miles in memory of her father, a challenge he was deeply proud of before his death.
Mr Daniels’s funeral will be held at Glyntaff Crematorium on Thursday, June 5, with a wake to follow at The Glyn in Ferndale. All who knew him are welcome to attend and celebrate a life defined by devotion, kindness, and humour—a legacy which, based on the stories shared, will endure for years to come.