Mourners line the street to say goodbye to 'loving and devoted' Bispham school worker Cath Strangwood

Family, friends and colleagues gathered in Bispham this afternoon to bid farewell to school worker Cath Strangwood, who died last month after battling coronavirus.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Catherine "Cath" Strangwood, 57, from Bispham, died in Blackpool Victoria Hospital on November 28, holding her husband Andrew's and daughter Amy's hands.

Cath, who was a support worker at Moor Park Primary School in Bispham, contracted the virus after returning to work to look after key workers' children.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Today, the school community and her loved ones came together on Moor Park Avenue to remember their cherished colleague and friend, described by her family as "loving and devoted."

Mourners line the street on Moor Park Avenue, Bispham, as school worker Cath Strangwood's funeral cortege passes. Cath died after battling coronavirus in November. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI MediaMourners line the street on Moor Park Avenue, Bispham, as school worker Cath Strangwood's funeral cortege passes. Cath died after battling coronavirus in November. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI Media
Mourners line the street on Moor Park Avenue, Bispham, as school worker Cath Strangwood's funeral cortege passes. Cath died after battling coronavirus in November. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI Media

A minute of silence was held as Mrs Strangwood's funeral cortege stopped outside the school before heading to All Hallows Church for a private service.

The funeral car, adorned with pink and white flowers, spelled out "Mum," "Grandma" and "Princess," an affectionate name given to her by husband Andrew.

Staff were dressed in brightly-coloured clothes, to reflect Cath's "sunny personality," headteacher Joanne Magson said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mrs Magson made the decision to close Moor Park Primary School for the day, to allow pupils and staff to mourn her loss.

The funeral car carrying Cath Strangwood's coffin, adorned with flowers, showed onlookers she was a much loved Mum, Grandma and "Princess," to husband Andrew. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI MediaThe funeral car carrying Cath Strangwood's coffin, adorned with flowers, showed onlookers she was a much loved Mum, Grandma and "Princess," to husband Andrew. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI Media
The funeral car carrying Cath Strangwood's coffin, adorned with flowers, showed onlookers she was a much loved Mum, Grandma and "Princess," to husband Andrew. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI Media

Cath's daughter Amy Moores, 33, said her mum had struggled with Covid-19 for weeks before she lost her fight for life - but was otherwise healthy.

Amy said: "All she had was a bit of asthma but it was well-controlled. She lived a happy, healthy and full life.

"She was loved and respected by all who knew her, which was a testament to her kind and compassionate personality.

"There will never be another like her."

Mourners raise their hands in applause for Cath Strangwood, a school worker at Moor Park, as her funeral cortege passed. Mrs Strangwood died in hospital after battling coronavirus. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI MediaMourners raise their hands in applause for Cath Strangwood, a school worker at Moor Park, as her funeral cortege passed. Mrs Strangwood died in hospital after battling coronavirus. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI Media
Mourners raise their hands in applause for Cath Strangwood, a school worker at Moor Park, as her funeral cortege passed. Mrs Strangwood died in hospital after battling coronavirus. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI Media
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Parents at Moor Park Primary School shared memories of Cath as a "sweet and wonderful soul," whose caring nature brought joy to the children she worked with every day.

Jude Ingram said: "Cath was wonderful with children and parents.

"She supported one of my children before she got her own support assistant, we’d pass each other at the end of the day and she’d tell me funny stories about my child that day.

"My child knew her car because she’d beep and wave on the way home. She was always happy and smiling. Cath will be missed around school."

Mourners raise their hands in applause for Cath Strangwood, a school worker at Moor Park, as her funeral cortege passed. Mrs Strangwood died in hospital after battling coronavirus. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI MediaMourners raise their hands in applause for Cath Strangwood, a school worker at Moor Park, as her funeral cortege passed. Mrs Strangwood died in hospital after battling coronavirus. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI Media
Mourners raise their hands in applause for Cath Strangwood, a school worker at Moor Park, as her funeral cortege passed. Mrs Strangwood died in hospital after battling coronavirus. Photo: Daniel Martino for JPI Media
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Another parent, Stacy Sanderson, added: "I can never thank her enough for everything she did for my son, he absolutely adored her as did we.

"She was the most beautiful soul, and will be forever missed."

Cath leaves behind her husband Andrew, 53, sons Matthew and James, 26 and 19, daughter Amy, 33, and grandchildren Emaleigh, 15, Ellis, five and Theo, four.

Related topics: