A POPULAR teacher who helped judge finishing times at the Commonwealth Games has died suddenly at his home in Bromley Cross.

Jim Stapleton, aged 57, had suffered from asthma all his life and was prone to bouts of pneumonia which had damaged his lungs.

But despite his illness, Mr Stapleton fostered seven children with his wife Pamela and became chief judge for the Manchester Marathon -- which led to him being picked to judge finishing times at this year's Commonwealth Games.

He died in his sleep at the family home in Darwen Road after refusing to go to hospital when he suffered a relapse of pneumonia.

Mrs Stapleton said: "That was just him all over, he was worried about leaving me on my own -- he always thought of everyone else.

"Even though he suffered from asthma all his life, he didn't let it stop him from doing anything. He loved teaching children and would work though his lunch hour to give extra help. He was the kindest man you could ever meet."

Mr Stapleton, who taught at Oakwood High School in Manchester, got into judging athletics competitions after the children he adopted took up the sport.

Mr Stapleton's funeral will take place at Saint Gabriel's Church, Castleton, Rochdale, on Monday at 11.30am. Donations are requested for the National Asthma Campaign.