AN inspirational music teacher and mother-of-three has lost a long and courageous battle with a rare form of cancer, aged 46.

Sapphira Rebekah Wright, known to her family and friends as Saph, taught at Gawthorpe High School, Padiham, later Shuttleworth College, where she was head of music.

Miss Wright was diagnosed with adrenal cancer in 2010, an illness which eventually forced her to give up teaching.

During her time at Shuttleworth College, Ms Wright was nominated for the Best Teacher in Britain prize and also won a community award in Burnley, which involved having a giant sized photograph of herself projected onto an old mill chimney.

Her mother Laura Wright said: "She was widely regarded as an inspirational teacher.

"She not only got young people interested in music, but also, in the words of many of them 'taught them to be me'.

"Many students saw her as a friend and advisor, as well as their teacher.

"Ill health caused a major shift in Saph's life and she was forced to give up her teaching career. Her strength and energy was much more limited but she was determined to keep going.

"She didn't let illness stop her passion for young people and music. She voluntarily invested what time and energy she had in community initiatives."

Mrs Wright added: "Apart from her children and grandchild, her great love was her garden and she became an accomplished gardener, with a particular interest in growing organic fruit and vegetables.

"This became another passion, with a quote from Audrey Hepburn giving her enormous comfort in coming to terms with her illness: 'To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow'.

"Saph was a friend to many. She will be remembered for her vibrancy and cheerfulness, her sense of humour and her generosity, as well as her devotion to her three kids. "

Her former colleague Jo Devlin, wrote on Facebook: "Such sad news to hear over here in Canada.

"I worked closely with Saph for a number of years at Gawthorpe High School and then at Shuttleworth College. I have nothing but positive memories of her.

"She was the biggest inspiration to many students who she lovingly taught and put under her wing.

"She made a massive difference to so many children. She was a 'real' teacher, an amazing colleague and friend, and I was a massive fan of hers. She will be missed so much."

A spokesman for Shuttleworth College said: "Staff at Shuttleworth College are truly saddened to hear the tragic news of Sapphira's death. Our thoughts go to her family at this most difficult time."

Saph, who lived in Hebden Bridge, leaves behind children Janthina, 26, Zebedee, 19, Elias 18, grandson Ezra, eight, mother Laura, sisters Isolde and Evania and grandmother Sheila.