Jemma Cottier, formerly Jemma Barnes, who was a popular figure at the Hastings Road School where she taught students English, sadly passed away on January 8 after suffering a stroke at the start of the Christmas holidays.
A charity appeal to raise funds for the Walton Centre was set up in her memory and thousands of people have already pledged their support – with £2,950 having already been donated.
Tributes have poured in from across the resort, with family, friends and ex students describing 42-year-old Jemma as a huge influence on their lives.
Speaking following the announcement, Jemma’s stepdaughter Becca Cottier posted a moving tribute to social networking site Facebook which has since been shared hundreds of times.
She said: “I cannot describe the void that entered mine and my family’s lives. It is a loss that will be shared by all of those who loved Jemma.
”Jemma was loved. And how wonderful it is to have been loved, by so many in so many different ways. I assured Jemma of this on a visit, and yet I needn’t have.
“I can see how loved she was- and still is- through the support and kind words that we as a family have been met with, from all corners of the globe.
”I write publicly to reach out to those who I haven’t met, and may not meet. Jemma knew she was loved.
“I cannot thank Jemma for the happiness that she has blessed my life with.
”I have gained three brothers, who are truly a credit to their wonderful mum.
“Nothing on this Earth would stop me from looking out for those little boys, and I look forward to seeing them grow with pride. They are her amazing legacies. I also cannot thank Jemma enough for how happy she has made my Dad. I was so privileged to be a bridesmaid at their wedding, and it continues to be one of the happiest days of my life.
”So thank you Jemma. Thank you for your support, your love, your infectious smile. Thank you for blessing our lives with your light.
“Thank you for inspiring me with your incredible mind and wisdom.”
A statement on the JustGiving site set up in Jemma’s memory also reads: “It is important to remember Jemma as the kind, thoughtful and caring person that she was, and to not dwell on that fact that she will be leaving us very soon.
”Jemma received amazing care at the Walton Centre in Liverpool, and, as a family, we would like to return their kindness by raising money for the amazing work that they do.“
To donate in Jemma’s memory, visit www.justgiving.com/JemmaCottier.
Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321
Email ots@otsnews.co.uk
Facebook www.facebook.com/otsnews.co.uk
Twitter www.twitter.com/onthespot_news
Breaking local news as it happens, searchable archives with photographs, the ability to instantly comment on news articles – there are so many advantages to OTS (Onthespot) News.
If you want your news read locally online then send it to ots@otsnews.co.uk – relying only on the newspaper is to restrict yourself to an ever reducing audience.
OTS News on Social Media