SCHOOLGIRLS left devastated by the death of one of their teachers have started on a fund-raising campaign in her memory.
Anne Woodward, 59, a maths teacher at The Towers Convent School, Upper Beeding, died from a stroke during the school Easter holidays.
Towers head teacher Carole Baker said Mrs Woodward's greatest strength was her ability to bring out the potential in every pupil, but that her care did not stop with the girls.
While on holiday in Australia, in 2006, she spoke to her personal friend, England cricketer Mike Gatting, and got him to sign a cricket bat for The Towers' Mother Bernard, and also got her mentioned on BBC Radio Five Live as a dedicated "Barmy Army" supporter.
KindnessMrs Baker said: "This act of kindness brought so much joy to Mother Bernard's life and was typical of Anne's generosity.
"In the autumn term she told me that although she was 60 soon, I was not to believe any rumours I heard and that she was not quitting yet.
"I was delighted to hear this news as she was everything one could hope for in a teacher – brilliant at her subject, caring with the girls and generous with her time."
Mrs Woodward of Orchard Dell, West Chiltington, died the day before her 26th wedding anniversary.
She began helping out with maths tutoring at the The Towers before becoming the maths co-ordinator, in 2004.
CharityOther schools she taught maths at included Steyning Grammar School and Broadwater Manor, in Worthing.
On St George's Day senior pupils at The Towers donated £1 each to dress in red and white clothing, raising £200 for the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at St Richard's Hospital, Chichester.
Mrs Baker said pupils were determined to do something to help other stroke victims and further fund-raising was planned.
She added: "They have another event planned, entitled Strokes for Strokes, which will be a sponsored swim, and a stamina challenge called Strength to Strength.
Mrs Woodward's funeral was held on Thursday, April 10, and a memorial service will take place at 3pm on Friday, May 2, at The Towers chapel for pupils and staff past and present.
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