ONE of Clydebank’s most beloved teachers has passed away.

Dr Graham Simpson, who was 57, was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia two years ago, prompting a massive outpouring of love and support from current and former pupils at Clydebank High.

The school informed families in writing of Graham’s passing on December 13, just days before what has become an annual Santa Dash in aid of the Beatson Cancer Centre, where Graham was treated.

Pupils raised more than £30,000 over two years for the cause in honour of their chemistry and pastoral care teacher, known as “The Doc”.

Jacqui Lynam, head teacher, said: “Graham was an absolute inspiration to staff and pupils at Clydebank High and our whole school community feels a deep sense of loss.

“Graham had worked at Clydebank High since 2001 both as a chemistry and pastoral care teacher and his passion, enthusiasm and dedication both to his subjects and to supporting pupils made him an extremely popular and much-loved member of the Clydebank High family.”

Graham was first diagnosed with the rare cancer affecting the bone marrow in November 2017 after several weeks in hospital with crippling pain in his legs and back.

Read more: Dr Graham Simpson resumes some teaching at Clydebank High

A search for potential bone marrow matches led to a transplant in March 2018 – as well as several pupils signing up to the donor registry.

The avid runner was able to resume some teaching earlier this year, much to everyone’s delight. But the past two years continued to bring highs and lows in his treatment.

Graham and his wife Lorraine, the depute head teacher at the school, repeatedly spoke in awe of the support from pupils and fellow staff.

“The planned Santa Dash organised by our pupils will go ahead this week in tribute to Graham, raising funds for the Beatson Cancer Centre which cared for him.”

Former pupils also shared their own tributes and thanks for the mark Graham left on their lives.

Elaine Adair credited The Doc with inspiring her to do a PhD in chemistry. In a glowing tribute online, she added: “He was the first teacher to ever tell me that I was talented at something, and he is the sole reason that I decided to do science - and I definitely wouldn’t be doing a PhD right now if it wasn’t for him.

“He was insanely talented at teaching, and could magically make the most boring topics super interesting and easy to follow.

"I had zero interest in science until I had him as my first year science teacher, where he made me realise just how cool and important it was.

“He was extremely kind, and cared about all of his pupils, no matter what level of understanding or background they had.

“I’m so heartbroken that such an amazing person could be taken away so soon.

“I was really looking forward to showing him my PhD thesis, and I regret that I will never be able to tell him how thankful I am for getting me to where I am today.

“Having him as a teacher has hugely influenced who I am, that I don’t even know what I would be doing/who I’d be if I hadn’t been in his class.”

“Rest in peace G-Doc.”

Read more: Clydebank High rallies behind Dr Simpson and Beatson charity

Fellow former pupil Courtney Maginn wrote: “Heartbroken does not come close. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for you believing in me even when nobody else did. I hope wherever you are you’re not in pain anymore.

“You’ve done so many people proud with how far you’ve came in the past few years considering your health status. I will be forever grateful to have been blessed with such an amazing teacher and role model.”

“You were the kindest, most gentle soul to ever walk this planet. There’s only one Dr Simpson.”