Tributes have been paid on Twitter to a popular assistant headteacher from Southport who died.
Gill Sillitoe, a mum-of-three, was assistant headteacher at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School on Grantham Road in Birkdale.
In a message posted on the school website by headteacher Mrs Hillson, the popular assistant headteacher will be remembered as someone who inspired many children to read through her love of the popular book series, Harry Potter.
According to a story first published in LancsLive, Mrs Sillitoe died after a short battle with cancer at home surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, June 7.
The school has led moving tributes to her on social media.
A statement released this morning (June 9) said: “It is with great sadness that we are informing you that Mrs Sillitoe, our beloved assistant headteacher, sadly passed away on Sunday.
“Mrs Sillitoe was a much loved teacher, colleague and friend and will be sadly missed by all who knew her at Our Lady of Lourdes.
“She was dedicated and professional, always ready with a joke and a smile
“Her love of Harry Potter inspired many children in their reading.
"Staff will always remember her playing Coldplay in the morning and hearing of her dog, Bailey’s, antics.
“We know our families will be devastated to hear of this news.
“We ask you to keep her husband Phil, her son Michael, and her two daughters Caitlin and Charlotte in your prayers at this very sad time.”
Friends and parents have also taken to Twitter to post their own tributes to Mrs Stillitoe.
Michelle Forrest said: "This is such sad news for it’s all. I worked closely with Gill in @SFDS_liverpool and we continued to be good friends after we’d both moved onto new schools. Thoughts and prayers with her family and the school community".
Didarby said: "Really saddened by this news. She will be so missed. Both of my children adored her."
Alana Carysforth posted: "Such sad news; a wonderful teacher and a lovely lady. She'll be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family x"
A message was also posted by St Philip's CofE School in Southport. It said: "St Philip’s sends heartfelt condolences. Your whole school family must be heartbroken and we send love and prayers to Gill’s family, your staff and children. A wonderful, warm, dedicated lady with a heart of gold. Thinking of you all xxxxx"
