HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to an ‘incredible’ mum and dedicated teacher of 27 years who has died after battling cancer.

Jane Thompson, from Barrow, died at St Mary's Hospice on May 14 after a long and valiant fight.

The 50-year-old leaves behind her husband Alaric Thompson and their 12-year-old son Edward.

She was a much loved mum and aunt who was treasured by all her family, friends and colleagues at South Walney Infant and Nursery School where she taught for 27 years

Her husband of 14 years described her as an ‘amazing person’ who ‘lit up a room’.

He said: “She was just amazing, she was so bubbly, caring and lovely. She lit up a room when she walked in.

“She also had a wicked sense of humour. She was very close to her family and had some very close friends and colleagues."

Mrs Thompson first became poorly in late-2018 when she was hospitalised during a holiday in Ibiza.

The next month she was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer of the appendix which affects just one in a million people.

“It was quite a blow,” Mr Thompson said.

“We were told we wouldn’t be able to cure it, just treat it.

“She spent two years on chemotherapy then in January went into the hospital, and later the hospice.

“Even throughout all the chemotherapy and two operations, Jane kept her sense of humour. She never stopped fighting.

“She wanted to spend every second possible with Edward. He’s Jane’s lasting legacy. She’s done such a lot of good work teaching but Edward is her real legacy. They were incredibly close.

"Her legacy is also the impact she has made on so many children in Walney over 27 years. She’s leaving a big hole.”

Former headteacher of South Walney Infant and Nursery School Nancy McKinnell worked with Mrs Thompson for 18 years.

Mrs McKinnell, who retired last year, described her as an ‘outstanding and dedicated’ teacher.

She said: “Jane was always a consummate professional but much more than that.

“She was a big character and great fun. We shared so many happy days of laughs, she was always entertaining us all with her mischievous humour.

“She was a born teacher and a true team player and very loved by all the close knit staff of South Walney Infant and Nursery School.

“Jane liked keeping us up to date with current thinking in the education world and was always pushing us and herself forward.

“She was strong and strident in her views. An outstanding teacher, dedicated and most importantly fun. Children loved her wicked sense of humour, smiling face and twinkly eyes. She was wise and fair and loved by them all and liked and respected by parents.

“Jane was an indelible member of South Walney Infants and Nursery School and the wider Walney community and will never be forgotten by the staff who were her friends, or by the many children whose lives she touched.

“Jane has left us all with many happy and special memories.”

Mr Thompson praised the ‘amazing’ care of the NHS and hospice staff who went above and beyond for his wife in her final few months.

“The NHS and hospice were just amazing,” he said.

“The love, care and attention they gave Jane was incredible. Everyone was so patient and professional, especially at the hospice.

“It’s a different type of care - they’re incredibly understanding and compassionate. It’s a special place."

Mr Thompson is hoping to hold a public memorial service to celebrate his wife's life once restrictions have lifted.