TRIBUTES Celebrate legacy of inspirational mum and teacher

THE life of an inspirational mother, teacher and sportswoman has been celebrated for her incredible legacy to her community.

Primary school teacher Sue Barter has been remembered following her untimely death at the age of 43 following a battle with breast cancer.

Able to light up a room with her infectious smile, she will be sorely missed by friends far and wide for her kindness and loyalty.

Born in Cardiff, Sue later attended Gibbonsdown Primary School in Barry.

Determined to be a teacher even at a young age, her parents fondly remember her running her own classrooms during the summer holidays.

Sue eventually went on to teach at Trelai Primary School, Baden Powell Primary School and her old school at Oakfield Primary in St Mellons.

During her 20-year teaching career, former pupils and parents were always in touch and helped provide support and comfort for Sue’s family after her death.

Known for her incredibly caring attitude, Sue was said to have a real connection with her pupils and would always make sure clothes or a uniform would discretely make its way to a struggling parent.

Sue met her partner Stuart in 1995 and they became engaged only two weeks later.

She will be sorely missed as a devoted mother to their daughter Millie.

A woman with many talents, Sue loved and lived for music and taught hundreds of children to sing, perform and play the piano.

She had a fantastic voice, winning a scholarship to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama as well as to a leading London music school.

Later in life, the mum of one took on several half marathons, 10k and 5k races to raise money for charity, despite never previously being a runner.

As well as changing the lives of her pupils and family, one of Sue’s biggest legacies lies with her dedication to the Old Penarthians RFC where she took on the role of chairwoman for the mini and junior team, as well as being the under-6s coach and social club committee person.

Her role will now be carried on by Stuart to ensure her ideas come to life.

Following Sue’s funeral on November 3 Stuart and Millie will lead a night-time walk up Pen y Fan for Velindre next year in her memory, with countless friends also holding their own fundraising activities.

Stuart, highlighting the importance of early detection of breast cancer symptoms, said: “If you find a lump, tell someone, anyone.”

He added: “Losing a wife and mother is at times unbearable.

“Having a chance to fight the cancer together, no matter how difficult, would be preferable to life without Sue.”