Tributes to 'spirited, kind and dedicated' Viv

Viv was fondly remembered by students of Blackpool Sixth Form College, where she was part of the Additional Learning Support team and closely involved with the development of young footballers at Blackpool FC, of whom she was a dedicated supporter, and Fleetwood Town.

The Sixth Form College tweeted following Viv's death in Blackpool Victoria Hospital following a short illness: "Viv was an invaluable member of the Additional Learning Support team and such a spirited, kind and dedicated member of the Blackpool Sixth family."

Will Watt, former Gazette football writer, now head of first team operations and communications at Fleetwood Town and a former student at Blackpool Sixth Form College, described her as "a passionate and caring teacher who went the extra mile".

He said: "The 16- to 18-year-old scholars at Blackpool and Fleetwood Town have to do education as part of their scholarship in football.

"They do this at Blackpool Sixth two days a week and Viv was their mentor.

"She used to teach them, act as a mentor and ensure they got all their qualifications before they in theory turned professional.

"She’d go above and beyond, travelling all over the country to watch and support them in their games. When the clubs played each other at youth level she’d turn up wearing the scarves of each club - she was a really caring, enthusiastic teacher who went way above and beyond."

Viv, who lived at Marton Moss and formerly taught at Collegiate School , leaves behind a daughter Sheenagh and grandson Tyler.

Sheenagh said: "Mum loved teaching and showed no inclination to retire. She was also a passionate Blackpool FC fan and travelled all over the country to watch them."

Viv's funeral is at Lytham Park Crematorium, on Friday, August 16 at 1.30pm.

Family flowers only are requested but donations in her memory can be made to the Intensive Care Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital care of D Hollowell and Sons funeral directors (tel. 01253 408886).