TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘superb and gifted’ teacher who died just 20 days after being diagnosed with a rare cancer.

Joanna Shaw, 39, was ‘loved’ and held in ‘deep affection’ by the pupils at Southlands High School in Chorley where she taught.

A mother-of-two daughters, Mrs Shaw, known as Jo, was married to husband Gareth.

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She was diagnosed with adrenal cancer early last month and passed away in hospital on September 27 after rapidly deteriorating.

Mark Fowle, head teacher at Southlands, said: “Jo was an outstanding teacher who shared her passion for food technology with all the children she taught.

“She also took a very important pastoral role in school and her caring and supportive manner helped many children overcome personal difficulties and succeed in school.

“Last June she helped to organise our leavers’ prom which was a real success.

“Children, former pupils and staff have left some very moving messages on our tribute wall in school and these will be passed onto Jo’s family.

“The messages demonstrate the deep affection and respect there was for Jo.

“She was much loved by both children and staff and will be badly missed.”

Fellow teacher, Alan Thomas, said: “I was Jo’s pastoral manager for many years and witnessed at first hand the difference she made to so many children’s lives.

“Jo was a very special person to so many.

“She was fun to be with, totally dependable, resourceful, honest and possessed great integrity.

“She loved to be with the students and they loved to be with her.

“Like all good teachers, she was firm but fair but most importantly she found time for everyone.

“This was her greatest asset and why people loved her so much.

“Her death at such a young age and the fact that she is leaving behind such a young family it even harder to understand .”

On the day of her funeral last Wednesday, Southlands held a minute’s silence at 11am and those wishing to attend the service were allowed to leave for the day at noon.