Tributes paid as popular teacher loses cancer fight
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Macclesfield teacher who made a ‘positive difference to the lives of many students’.
Claire Smith, who taught languages at Fallibroome Academy, lost her battle with cancer on Friday, January 31.
The mum-of-two, who was in her late 40s, was also a former pupil and headgirl at the school.
She had been head of German at Fallibroome and had also graduated with a Masters in Education from Edge Hill University while teaching fulltime.
In breaking the devastating news to the school this week, headteacher Francis Power issued a tribute.
He said: “Claire was such an energetic, upbeat and kind person.
“Having had the privilege of watching her teach many times, I know that she had a magical ability to set the highest standards for her students in everything they did while being positive, encouraging and helpful at all times. Her colleagues and students here at Fallibroome are devastated by this news. It seems to us that we have lost one of our best and most loved members of staff.
”Many of our students speak of Ms Smith’s kindness, cheerfulness and genuine commitment to their success and happiness in school.
“We know for certain that she made a genuine and positive difference to the lives of the many students that she taught.”
Claire was diagnosed around a year ago and had visited the school at the end of last year’s summer term.
She spoke with colleagues telling them how much she loved Fallibroome Academy and how proud she was to have taught there.
Mr Power said: “We all knew that this was her way of saying goodbye to us.”
Claire, who lived near Macclesfield Hospital, was also a well-known figure at Macclesfield Rugby Club, where her husband Nick is a member.
A club spokesman said: “She was respected for her empathetic approach and encouraging teaching methods.
“She was a frequent visitor to Priory Park and her vivacious personality always made her a welcome supporter of her husband’s team.
“Claire had courageously faced up to her illness and fought hard.”
After learning of Claire’s diagnosis the school, on Priory Lane, set up a justgiving fundraiser for the Christie and East Cheshire Hospice last year.
Anyone who wants to donate can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ fallibroome-academy2.