Fundraiser and educationalist Trevor Wood has died after a long illness and fight with renal failure.The former Caister High School head whose research work became an important resource for school administrators was best known as chairman of governors at John Grant School where he was a tireless fundraiser.

Fundraiser and educationalist Trevor Wood has died after a long illness and fight with renal failure.

The former Caister High School head whose research work became an important resource for school administrators was best known as chairman of governors at John Grant School where he was a tireless fundraiser.

The Trevor Wood Sports Hall was opened earlier this year by Princess Anne.

Trevor was born in 1937 in St Leonards-on-Sea. His father was a builder's labourer, his mother a housemaid. In 1941, Trevor and his mother were evacuated to The Forest of Dean where he won a scholarship aged 11 to the renowned Monmouth school.

Following national service, he attended teacher training college at Culham near Oxford, before take up his first post teaching PE at Ramsey in the Fens.

In the early 1970's he returned to college at Leeds University to take his B.Ed. and a challenging new role as head of department for a unit at Melton, specialising in children with behavioural or learning difficulties.

He went on to become the youngest head in Bucks at 38, and recognising his ability, they sponsored him to undertake his MA in 1980 at Brunel University, of which he was immensely proud. His research and dissertation became a text book at the time for school administration and an acknowledged specialist in falling roles.

In 1982 he became head of Caister High where he had a fruitful seven years until his wife was diagnosed with cancer. With health problems of his own he reluctantly took early retirement in 1990, moving to Rollesby but continuing in the role for which he is best remembered - chairman of governors at John Grant School.

The school honoured his tireless support by naming the new sport's hall after him, and made him prouder still when Princess Anne visited the school early this year to formally open the unit - and spend some time talking to him.

Mr Wood had to resign his post of governor due to failing health a couple of years ago.

He loved Norfolk, the countryside, and the people and especially the coast and its boats - one of his favourite records was of old sea shanties.

His son Chris said he had left an incredible legacy touching thousands of children's lives, spreading his belief that education was an escape.

His last few years were dogged by diabetes and dialysis which he fought stoically and with good humour, his son added.

Mr Wood's funeral was due to be held at St George's Rollesby yesterday

Donations, if desired to James Paget University Hospital Renal Unit.