A HILLSIDE teacher is on a mission to raise thousands for the hospice that looked after her inspirational colleague and mother-in-law, who died of ovarian cancer.

Limara Thomas, 36, has gathered a team of 30 colleagues to walk, run and cycle 4,100 to raise money forthe Ayrshire Hospice, after much-loved Rosemary Thomas passed away.

Cumnock Chronicle: Limara, her husband Maryn and two boys out for their gran.Limara, her husband Maryn and two boys out for their gran.

Rosemary, an instructor at the additional support needs school for more than 20 years, lost her 11-month battle with the disease in March, aged 62.

Her daughter-in-law Limara has paid tribute to the gran, who she said was ‘made for her job’

Limara, who works as a teacher at Hillside, knew Rosemary for 18 years and her colleague even played a part in introducing her to her future husband Rosemary’s son, Martyn.

Limara, who also has two sons, told the Chronicle: “Rosemary was very kind, very caring and she loved her family.

“She was very committed to her job, she was made for it. She was always striving to encourage the best from the children.

“Parents loved her and she was very valued, she was an inspiration to so many.”

Rosemary was laid to rest on March 23, but due to coronavirus lockdown and social distancing measures, none of her family were able to attend the church, so had to watch the service on a live video.

Unable to give her mother-in-law the send off she deserved, Limara reached out to other colleagues to do something to remember her by, and raise money for the Ayrshire Hospice who helped Rosemary’s wellbeing as she went through chemotherapy treatment.

Limara said: “It was sad that Rosemary didn’t get a proper funeral. There are so many people who would have wanted to be there.

“The school’s chosen charity has always been the Ayrshire Hospice. It’s a great local cause that is close to so many of us, with other colleagues loved ones having used their services.”

The team are taking on 4,100 miles – with each mile equalling the number of deaths estimated to be caused by ovarian cancer each year. In addition, they hope to raise £4,100 for the Ayrshire Hospice.

Cumnock Chronicle: Colleagues of Rosemary are supporting the Ayrshire Hospice.Colleagues of Rosemary are supporting the Ayrshire Hospice.

Limara added: “We just thought even though the school is closed we could still do something. We could add up our daily exercise, and in a way, we are honouring every death from this illness.”

Headteacher of Hillside Debbie Skeoch also paid tribute to Rosemary.

She said: “Rosemary Thomas was a much respected and much loved friend and colleague of everyone at Hillside School and losing her has affected our whole school community. Rosemary just loved the children and young people she worked with and loved to see their progress. She was a great support to families and to new members of staff and a much loved friend to many.

“Our brilliant staff team have been just fantastic and are putting everything they have into achieving the goal of 4100 miles run, walked or cycled in Rosie’s memory and £4100 raised for the amazing Ayrshire Hospice.”

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