Tributes have poured in for a much loved teaching assistant at Woodford Primary School who has died of cancer at the age of just 45.
Miss Clare Perkin who was a popular figure at the school passed away on May 8 and her funeral was held at Woodford Methodist Church on May 23.
Her son Callum said:
“My mum was an amazing, strong and beautiful woman. She raised me alone for 21 years and although we struggled, we struggled together. No matter what life threw at us we got through it.
“All until she was taken from us by stage 4 lung cancer. She hadn’t smoked in 15 years and was considered fit and healthy. She worked so hard and passionately at the jobs she loved – working as a teaching assistant for Woodford Primary and also making brilliant cakes for people.
“It is safe to say she did not deserve this but none of us could see this coming – not even my mum.
“She remained strong and positive until her last breath and the exceptional staff of Brent Ward relieved much of her pain and worries in her last week on earth.
“Mum even mentioned particular nurses and doctors who she loved. This is why all money raised (from a Justgiving page) will go towards Brent Ward’s facilities and staff to ensure they can continue providing all the care anyone may need.”
Scores of tributes were posted on social media of which these are just a small, but representative selection: Michelle Oliver said:
“She was an amazing woman. My daughter had the privilege of having Miss Perkin as her teaching assistant; she will be greatly missed by the Woodford school community by staff, students and parents.”
Mandy Goord remarked:
“Such a tragic loss for family, friends and the Woodford School community. Such a lovely, kind and beautiful girl who will be missed by everyone.”
Stacey Millard commented:
“She will be so missed. My children loved having her as their teaching assistant.”
Sarah Honeywill contributed:
“She was so good to my girls, never saw her without a smile on her face.”
Claire Grant posted:
“Such a lovely lady taken far too soon, had the privilege of knowing her through the school and as a neighbour for many years. She will be greatly missed.”
Another parent at the school added:
“We’ve been lucky to have had Miss Perkin as our teaching assistant for both of our children, such a lovely, lovely person who will leave a huge hole in the Woodford school and local community.”
A Just Giving page is still open at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/clareperkin and with GiftAid has raised over £2,000 to date.
(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
