Tributes revealed for young Wolverhampton teacher
Two memorials are to be unveiled at a Black Country school in memory of a young teacher who died from cancer.
An outdoor sculpture and an indoor 'bubble wall' are among the ideas being discussed for Great Bridge Primary School in honour of 25-year-old Gemma Marsh who died just six months after being diagnosed with cervical cancer.
The school took the unprecedented step of closing on Monday and Tuesday as a mark of respect for the teacher who was from Bushbury in Wolverhampton.
Her funeral took place yesterday at West Chapel in Bushbury Crematorium.
The school's headteacher, Liz Regan, said staff and parents have already contributed towards the bespoke monuments and fundraising would continue.
Paying tribute to the 'outstanding' teacher, Ms Regan said: "Her positive attitude and tireless dedication to our children was uplifting to experience.
"Her tragic passing has left the entire school distraught and with an immeasurable sense of loss.
"We will always remember Gemma – her infectious smile, sense of humour and perseverance with the most reluctant learners. We were honoured and privileged to have known her."
Miss Marsh, who taught the school's 5M class, had gone for a routine smear test in November, as every woman in the UK is invited to do at the age of 25.
Only days later she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and after six months of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy died on May 27. Her parents, Shan and Darren, have called for the screening age to be lowered.
The former Elston Hall Primary School and Northicote School pupil studied for a geography degree and teaching qualification at Birmingham's Newman College.
