Ex-teacher Uncle Alan dies at 77

A popular former music teacher and choirmaster from Staffordshire who survived for a quarter of a century after being given six months to live has died at the age of 77.

Alan Williams, who was head of music at Kingsmead Comprehensive in Hednesford and choirmaster at St Stephen's Church in Cannock, was told there was nothing more doctors could do after undergoing surgery for bowel cancer. But he defied their prediction and continued to share his love of music with youngsters who called him Uncle Alan.

Mr Williams began running choirs at the Salvation Army in Cannock, where he also played piano.

He moved on to the former Trinity Church, on Walsall Road, before going to St Stephen's on Biddeford Way in 1966.

His wife Norry, a former headmistress at Cannock Nursery, died aged 74 last year. And three years ago, his son Mark, died aged 46, following complications after routine surgery.

His other son Chris, aged 41, a musician, from Rumer Hill in Cannock, said Mr Williams had a fantastic sense of humour and was a musician through and through.

"He was known for his humour and he was also a very religious man. Everybody referred to him as Uncle Alan.

"He adored music and inspired so many people over the years. Lots of people have told me how they are now teachers or involved with music because of his influence.

"And all this after he taught himself to play piano which was a great achievement."

Mr Williams' wife and faith saw him through after an operation for gall stones revealed a huge cancer in his stomach and he was not expected to live long despite groundbreaking surgery.

"After he was given six months to live, he never gave in and did incredibly well to keep going," said Chris. "My mum said it was a miracle."

Mr Williams died last Friday from a heart attack.

His funeral will be held at 11.45am next Friday at St Stephen's Church. A cremation will be held at Stafford Crematorium at 1pm.