Tributes to ‘incredible’ Prestatyn High School drama and English teacher

Mat Williams died aged 40 on Tuesday, October 11 after a battle with bowel cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Tuoc, as well as his mother, father, two brothers, and sister.

Mat joined PHS in 2007, initially as an English teacher, and after leaving to teach in Vietnam, returned in 2020 to lead the school’s drama department.

The PHS school hall will become an area to remember Mat’s dedication to performing arts, particularly with the hall being re-named “Neuadd Mathew Williams”.

A touching tribute was made on behalf of the school.

A PHS statement read: “Mat was immediately adored by his colleagues and pupils because of his witty sense of humour and love of teaching.

“Mat directed amazing school productions during his time at PHS. He had the ability to embrace the whole school community.

“The one show that will always remain his legacy was the school production of ‘Les Misérables’; it was breathtaking.

“Mat will always be remembered for his extraordinary ability to bring the best out in everyone. He always remained positive, even as he faced his own personal battle.

“Mat may no longer be with us, but his legacy will remain in the heart of PHS.”

READ MORE:

Prestatyn school sends support to teacher who suffered serious spinal injury

The school’s PE department also celebrated the life of a “much-loved and respected colleague”.

He was a regular player in the weekly staff five-a-side football match, and was described as a keen supporter of all of the school’s sports teams.

The PE department said: “Mat was a great friend to the PE department at PHS.

“Mat loved the social side of the department, becoming an integral part of the weekly quiz and was a popular character at 'end of term' celebrations.

“Mat was a much-loved and respected colleague, whose infectious sense of humour and quick wit endeared him to all who met him.

“He will always be remembered at PHS. He was a gifted teacher, a talented drama producer, and a wonderful man.

“He was able to pack so much into his short life, facing his recent battles with positivity.”

The school’s English department remembered an “intelligent, sharp and witty” man, recalling his love of the musical “Blood Brothers” and his inspirational teaching.

The English department said: “Mat was a dedicated teacher and a dear friend to so many. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, sense of humour, and utmost kindness.

“Mat was so wonderful at capturing students’ attention, as he used to read out loud in so many different voices.

“Walking into Mat’s lessons, particularly when his classes were reading a novel or play, was entertaining.

“He adored teaching, and we often delivered revision sessions where students were fortunate to listen to his knowledge and love of ‘Blood Brothers’.

“He was intelligent, sharp and witty. He achieved so much during his time here and in his schools abroad.

“He inspired so many staff and students during his time with us. He faced his recent battles with dignity and courage. Even in his most challenging times, he always thought about others.

“We will remember him fondly and continue to use some of his brilliant words and phrases.

“It is absolutely right and fitting that the hall will be known as ‘Neuadd Mathew Williams’, as there will always be a part of him with us, and his amazing legacy will live on. You’ll never walk alone.”

Chloé Waggett was both a former student and colleague of Mat’s at PHS, and is holding a charity cabaret night at Lyons Nant Hall Hotel, Prestatyn tomorrow (October 28) in his memory.

Chloé Waggett and Mat Williams. (Image: Chloé Waggett)

All of the proceeds from the event, which will also include a raffle, will be donated to Bowel Cancer UK.

Chloé has arranged it through her own performing arts company, Co.Creative Performance Company, which she said Mat inspired her to set up.

Chloé said: “Mat was an inspiration to all who ever crossed paths with him. He taught a multitude of Prestatyn residents throughout his years at PHS, and changed the lives of many.

“He was a loving husband, son and brother, and had so many devoted friends due to his incredible kindness, sensational sense of humour, endless talent, and ability to light up any room.

“As a teacher, friend and colleague of mine, I was blessed with many incredible memories of the wonderful person he was.

“He was so passionate about highlighting the importance of the arts within North Wales and wanted me to keep dedicating myself to promoting the power of performance arts.

“Because he was a thespian, he was always making everything into a little bit of a show to make people laugh. As a teacher, I think he used that to try to get kids on side.

“He would use his sense of humour and relatability to make people laugh, and they wanted to learn from him because he was so inspiring.

“He would put on musicals at the school; when I was a student, we put on ‘Les Misérables’, which was probably one of his greatest legacies. It was an amazing show; people still talk about it now.

“A lot of people say he was their favourite teacher. He’s someone who people will never forget.

“I left PHS to open my own performing arts company. Matt was the driving force behind that; he was the first person I spoke to about it. He was always encouraging me to chase what I wanted to do.

“Mat, you were loved by so many. We will never let your memory or mission fade. RIP, you incredible man.”

Jordan King, who was taught drama by Mat while at PHS and was directed by him in various shows, added how Mat’s guidance has stuck with him and that he always support him.

Jordan, who has since pursued a journalism career, described Mat as a “life mentor”.

He said: “It’s hard to put into words what Mat meant - and still means - to me. He was my teacher, and sparked my imagination and creativity into life during my time at school.

“But he was a life mentor, too, and eventually, a friend. He taught me kindness, selflessness, resilience, and how to be brave.

“Even as he endured the worst, he’d be texting me late at night to offer support and encourage me in all I do.

“I don’t remember him as any one single thing, because he was so much, and to so many.

“The world shines just a little less brightly now that he’s gone, but we’ll do the best we can to carry his light with us going forwards.”

Mat was also a former member of Llandudno Youth Music Tribute (LYMT), who paid its own tribute to a "gifted" man.

LYMT said: "A member of the group in the early 1990s, Mat went on to become a tutor at Stagenotes and performed in the band for a number of our productions.

"Mat was a gifted person who was generous with his time and knowledge.

"He did not allow his illness to stop him raising awareness and funds for vital research into cancer treatments.

"Our thoughts are with Mat’s family, wife and friends at this time."

Entry to Chloé’s charity cabaret night costs £20.50, while raffle tickets can be bought for any donation more than £1.

For more information, go to: www.cocreativeperformancecompany.com/event-details/killer-cabaret-cirque-le-freak.