Tributes to Shrewsbury teacher who died of cancer

Family and friends have paid tribute to a 29-year-old primary school teacher from Shrewsbury who has died less than two months after being diagnosed with cancer.

Victoria Wakefield, who taught at St Giles' School, in Belvidere, died on February 15 at the Severn Hospice in Bicton, Shrewsbury. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late December.

Today Miss Wakefield's brother, Tim Wakefield, praised the care his sister received at the hospice but said he wished she had been given an earlier diagnosis by doctors.

"We miss Vicky so much, she was a large part of many people's lives. She was determined and hard-working, but never lost her amazing humour and smile, even when she was so ill," he said.

"All she wanted was to be given a fighting chance, and whilst we know that pancreatic cancer in someone so young is hard to diagnose, Vicky suffered a number of setbacks whilst being treated."

Jane Crouch, headteacher at St Giles, said: "The whole school community of St, Giles' has been deeply saddened by the news of Vicky. She was loved, valued and respected as a truly outstanding teacher."

Miss Wakefield, who attended Thomas Telford School, was well known in Shrewsbury for being part of the Get Your 'Wigle' On amateur performance company, taking part in productions at Theatre Severn such as Little Shop of Horrors and High School Musical.

Mr Wakefield added: "Vicky loved being involved in the performances, she was a brilliant dancer and enjoyed being creative at any opportunity, she also won a number of local photography competitions, which she was extremely proud of"

Miss Wakefield, of Dogpole, Shrewsbury, leaves her mother Janice, brother Tim, sister-in-law and best friend Gina Evans and boyfriend Michael Edwards.

Mr Edwards said: "If Vicky's story ensures that others are diagnosed more quickly, then that is some comfort. Vicky was a truly inspirational person, she was always loving and caring."

A colourful celebration of Vicky's life will be held at St Giles' Church on Monday at 4pm.