TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular teacher who has died after a “long and courageous” battle with cancer.

Elliot Furniss

TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular teacher who has died after a “long and courageous” battle with cancer.

Helen Livermore, 51, who worked for many years at the Colne Community School and College in Brightlingsea, was described by colleagues as a “truly exceptional and talented” English teacher.

School principal Nardeep Sharma said Mrs Livermore was an “immensely brave person” who had fought hard against cancer and would be missed by all at the school.

Despite beating breast cancer twice in the past, Mrs Livermore was diagnosed with the disease again in 2006 and she died on Saturday.

Mr Sharma said: “Helen was a personification of dignity, courage and grace.

“She was a very passionate and inspirational teacher who really loved the children and loved working with them.

“Up until recently she was still teaching, based on how she had been feeling.

“She took assemblies and talked directly to the children and very confidently, knowing her own personal circumstances.”

Mr Sharma said staff were bearing up “incredibly well” and that Mrs Livermore would best be remembered for her strong passion for learning.

He added: “It is a huge loss to the children - she was only in here a couple of weeks ago.”

Mrs Livermore was also a keen charity fundraiser and worked hard to support a number of cancer organisations, work that will continue at the school.

Mrs Livermore, who lived near Clacton, leaves a son, daughter and partner, John, and Mr Sharma said the thoughts and prayers of all at the school were with them at this very sad time.