South Shields school's non-uniform day tribute to much-loved staff member who passed away from leukaemia

More than 200 pupils from Stanhope Primary School in Gresford Street, wore their best get-ups for a charity non-uniform day on Friday, January 10.

The event was held to raise money in memory of former staff member Viv Prince, who ran the Breakfast Club at the school every morning.

Mrs Prince, 62, of South Shields, sadly passed away from leukaemia on Monday, December 16, last year after being diagnosed with the disease just three weeks earlier.

Staff and children were left devastated by the sudden loss of Mrs Prince, who had worked at the school for 20 years and was well-loved by all the pupils, particularly those who attended the Breakfast Club.

She had previously been a dinner lady at the school for many years before giving it up in October last year to focus on the Breakfast Club and enjoy having more time to herself.

To pay tribute to Mrs Prince the school arranged a non-uniform day with each child giving a donation to Leukaemia UK.

Staff, pupils and parents successfully raised more than £200 for the charity, which funds research into leukaemia and other blood cancers and supports those affected by the disease.

Stanhope Primary School headteacher, Lesley Martin, said Mrs Prince’s passing was a huge loss to the school and to the wider community.

“Mrs Prince was a valued member of staff who had worked at the school for 20 years,” she said.

“She was loved by all those who attended the school and will be a huge miss to the school and the community.”

The school will be organising future fundraising events for Leukaemia UK to mark the anniversary of Mrs Prince’s death later this year.

Mrs Martin went on to thank the children, parents and staff for their support on the day.

“I would like to say a big thank everyone who donated,” she added.

“The money raised by everyone will help towards research into Leukaemia.”