TRIBUTES have been paid to an inspirational teacher, who died aged 34, after battling cystic fibrosis.

Balloons were released in memory of Jenny Crouch by the pupils who adored her.

Miss Crouch, who taught at St Peter and St Paul’s RC Primary School in Bolton, died in February of this year.

She had taught at the school for 11 years, but last summer, she contracted a common cold and needed oxygen to breathe. A lung transplant was the only treatment option left, but she died before one became available.

To celebrate her life and carry on her work to raise money for research into cystic fibrosis ,the school held a special fundraising day to remember the much-loved teacher.

Members of staff dressed up as pirates because Miss Crouch started the tradition of a pirate sleepover at school for the year three children.

Trish Grogan, headteacher, said: “You cannot put into words just what an amazing person she was.

“The word inspiration is used a lot but Jenny truly was an inspiration.

“Sometimes I am so lost without her.”

Miss Crouch played a huge part in the life of the school where she was RE and sports co-ordinator as well as a class teacher.

Mrs Grogan said: “The children adored her and were so desperate to do something in her memory.

"Jenny would organise activities with them including the pirate sleepover and dances — she organised so much for them."

Miss Crouch attended St Mary’s RC Primary School in Horwich and then the nearby St Joseph’s RC High School.

She was a dedicated fundraiser for research into cystic fibrosis, appearing on the popular children’s show Blue Peter and raising thousands while at school, where she was nominated for the Greater Manchester Police Young Citizen Award.

Mrs Grogan said: “Jenny was a strong and humble person, she got on with everything.

“She brought people together, there are couples married now which she put together.

“Jenny did not suffer fools gladly. She would always say if she disagreed with something."

Activities organised by the school included the balloon race and a number of sporty activities in honour of her as she was their sports co-ordinator.

They included a penalty shoot-out, most bounces on a space hopper and cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Children also tried to create the longest paper chain.

Kadie Chambers, in year four, said: "I loved Miss Crouch because when someone was sad she would always make them happy and smile."

Year five pupil, Brooke Norris said: "We released the balloons in memory of Miss Crouch. She made a big difference to our school. We love her."

Louie Olive, in year two, added: "We did the day for Miss Crouch because she was a brilliant teacher."

Jodie Smedley, in year six, said: "This day is important because we are raising money for cystic fibrosis to make sure that scientists can find a cure to help others."

The day after, staff members, along with those from Miss Crouch’s primary school, took part in a sponsored walk in memory of her to raise more money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The school will hold a special fundraising day for cystic fibrosis every year in memory of Miss Crouch.