Tributes to tragic teacher

Food technology teacher Jane Fitzherbert-Brockholes - although she was known to all her pupils as Mrs Brockholes - was head of technology and a former head of year at Southlands High School, Chorley, where she had worked for over 20 years.

She became ill in the summer of 2010 and was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January in 2011.

The 58-year-old had been off work for the last academic year.

She died with her family beside her at her home in Claughton on Sunday morning.

Deputy headteacher Brian Souter said: “She was very popular, and well-respected by students and teachers alike.

“She did an awful lot for the children and it’s a sad loss. She was a very enthusiastic teacher who was very keen for the children to achieve.

“She thought that people should be given as many opportunities as possible to develop themselves, and she will be very much missed by everyone at Southlands.”

Her best friend Carol Johnson, who also teaches at Southlands, said: “She was a fantastic teacher and a very good friend.

“Nothing was ever too much trouble for her. We used to do lots of daft things together.

“She bore her illness with great tenacity, and I just loved her to bits.”

Mrs Fitzherbert-Brockholes set up the link between Southlands and a school in Bijilo in Gambia, which will be continued in tribute to her.

She also organised meals for senior citizens at Christmas time, was involved with the school’s Young Enterprise scheme, and entered her pupils for local, county and nationwide cookery competitions.

Students and friends flooded a Facebook group set up for her with messages of sympathies and memories.

Laura Wareing said: “You were an amazing teacher and had a heart of gold. You weren’t just a teacher you were also a good friend and will be missed by all of Southlands. Goodnight and God bless.”

In a statement from the family they said: “We have been overwhelmed by all the tributes. She was an amazing person.

“Teaching was much more than a job to her and she loved her time at Southlands.”

Mrs Fitzherbert-Brockholes leaves a husband and three sons.

The funeral has yet to be arranged. Her family have asked that donations are sent for the school’s link project with the Gambia instead of flowers.