A FURNESS primary school is hosting a charity coffee morning in memory of a much-loved helper who died after a cancer battle.

Joanne Hulbert, who was heavily involved at St Mary's CofE primary school in Dalton, passed away in the care of St Mary's Hospice, Ulverston, in late August.

The 42-year-old, of Newton Road, Dalton, was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago then last year she was given the news that cancer had also developed in the liver.

And now, staff and children from the school are preparing to welcome people to a fundraising coffee morning on September 30.

Teacher Lisa Robinson, who helped organise the event and taught Joanne's son Charlie, said she 'always helped in school whenever she could.'

"She lit up a room as she walked in and charmed everyone with her witty sense of humour," she said. "She used her sarcastic humour throughout her life even whilst she was ill. She was incredibly strong and a fantastic friend to have."

Joanne was a member of the school's parent voice group, attended school trips and helped with its Christmas fayre.

After her diagnosis she attended most school events and still helped out transporting children.

Lisa said: "As daft as it sounds, you wouldn't have thought she was ill. She would have her bad days but to everyone else she was still smiley, funny Jo.

"I had the pleasure of becoming more than Charlie's teacher, we became good friends."

Some of the money raised will go to St Mary's Hospice and Macmillan nurses - with plans also afoot to install a bench in the school's grounds.

Lisa said: "It will be somewhere where Charlie, myself, other members of staff and children can go and reflect, think about how lovely she was and how special she was not only to our school, but to Charlie, Simon her husband - her family and the local community."

Raffle tickets are on sale from the school office at £1 a ticket or £5 a strip.

The morning starts at 10am and will finish around 11.30am.

There are lots of prizes up for grabs including £50 worth of meal vouchers at Oscars restaurant; a 'make over' package from B&Q; a four golf experience worth up to £100 and a bouquet of flowers worth £30 from POSH flowers.

Donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lisarobinsondsm