Tributes have been paid to the chief executive of education charity NCFE David Gallagher, who has passed away at the age of 45 following a short illness.

Earlier this year he had revealed he had being diagnosed with cancer.

The Newcastle based charity said that David had helped “shape the organisation’s growth while ensuring we remained true to our core charitable purpose: promoting and advancing learning”.

It added: “His leadership, vision and commitment to learners have had a lasting impact on NCFE, our colleagues and the wider education and skills sector and that “our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with David’s wife and their two sons”.

Among those to pay tribute to David is Laura-Jane Rawlings, the chief executive of Youth Employment UK.

“My heartbreaks at this, for the loss of a great friend, but also for the people David leaves behind, especially his wife and boys, family, friends and colleagues,” she said.

“David was a brilliant champion of Youth Employment UK and indeed in tough times David was instrumental in keeping us and me going. He truly believed young people needed to have access to opportunities, whoever they are and wherever they live. We shared so much. I will miss him deeply.”

In a statement Nottingham based education management organisation Skills and Education Group said: “David's unwavering commitment to education, skills and lifelong learning made a lasting impact across our sector.

“His leadership at NCFE, alongside his passion for creating opportunities through learning, has helped shape positive outcomes for countless learners and educators.

“On behalf of everyone at Skills and Education Group, we extend our heartfelt condolences to David's family, friends and everyone at NCFE during this difficult time. His contribution to the education and skills community will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.

Meanwhile, Mark Cameron, chief executive of work accessibility organisation The 5% Club said David “was a true professional and leaves a deep rooted legacy of passion and difference across the sector, and more widely. Taken too soon”.

In revealing his cancer diagnosis in January, David had said: “On sharing the news with close colleagues and friends it’s been really eye opening just how many people have lived, and continue to live, through the impact of cancer in their lives.

“And the very many messages of support and encouragement I’ve received from people have been truly humbling, heart warming and reassuring. I’ve taken a huge amount of strength and inspiration from people’s words.”

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