Tributes paid to West Lakes Academy teacher, Clare McConnell

Clare McConnell, 43, an English teacher at West Lakes Academy, has passed away following a three-year battle with cancer.

Clare’s husband Neil McConnell, has paid tribute to his late wife, who was his “soulmate” and childhood sweetheart.

He said she was a doting mother, who put her daughters, Isla and Ella, at the centre of everything she did.

“Clare was one in a million. She touched the lives of so many people in a positive way. Her bright eyes and smile were always present - even throughout her illness.

“Clare lived for our two beautiful girls and her family – placing these at the centre of everything we did – family always came first. As a family, close and extended, we have so many memories to be thankful for.

“Our two beautiful daughters are the shining example of Clare’s nurturing and upbringing. We have two girls to be so, so proud of and who will continue to grow as strong independent and loving ladies, just like their Mammy.”

Clare McConnell has passed away aged 43 (Image: Submitted)

Clare's life-long ambition was to become a teacher and Neil said she took “immense pride” in her job.

“When she was younger and spending time with the family - they always recall the role-playing Clare would set up in pretending to be the teacher and her cousins would be the pupils.

“To then achieve her ambition and become the outstanding professional teacher Clare is - the tribute from West Lakes Academy is testament to this - a truly great teacher who leaves a lasting legacy.”

Following Clare’s passing, a former classmate at Bransty Primary School recalled how Clare had sat with her after she had been laughed at in the cloakroom during P.E. for having a freckle on her thigh.

Clare had sat down beside the girl and showed her that she also had a freckle in the same place. Neil said this summed up the sort of person that Clare was.

“She always put other people first. There was a time in the RVI when Clare gave advice to one of the nurses who was caring for her on a bit of work for her son. Even at her worst, she was still helping others.”

Clare was a doting mother to her two daughters (Image: Submitted)

Clare grew up on North Road, Bransty and attended Bransty Primary School. She then went to Whitehaven School, where she met her future husband.

They did their A-levels together and then both studied at UCLAN in Preston. Clare completed a PGCE in English after finishing her degree.

The couple lived in Preston for a while, teaching at schools in Blackburn, before moving back to west Cumbria, where they bought a house at Lowca.

They married at St James’ Church in Whitehaven in 2008 and their first daughter was born a year later.

Clare had worked at West Lakes Academy since 2005.

A tribute from West Lakes Academy, said: “Clare was a much loved and highly valued member of the West Lakes team. She was a fantastic English teacher, helping countless children to achieve well in their GCSEs and A Levels and to develop a love of learning along the way.

“She was also a superb form tutor, supporting children through good times and bad and helping them to make the right choices for their futures.

“Clare was an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. She acted as a mentor to numerous trainee teachers, ensuring they made a successful start to their careers.

"Her knowledge of the subject and her creative ideas for lessons helped the English department to win Best Team in Education at the Pearson national teaching awards in 2015.

“Clare changed the lives of both students and colleagues during her time at WLA. She is much loved and will be very much missed.”

READ MORE: Tributes paid to much loved teacher from West Lakes Academy