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Tracey's Story

Tracey's Story

The world is a bit darker now that we have lost one of life's good 'uns.
Our Tracey. A true underdog that worked her way up from dinner lady to primary school teacher. Everyone is special in their own way but Tracey had a bit of magic inside her. That little bit of something extra was what she was all about.

A friend to many big and small and a firm believer in the power of a single act of kindness, Tracey was a woman who thrived on helping others, even when battling her own thoughts of self-worth and anxiety. She thrived on the little gestures of kindness that are often overlooked in a busy world. Her classroom was always a safe haven for children escaping lunchtime bullies or just wanting a quite moment to feel safe from the outside world. She cared deeply and it wasn't something she had to muster up. It was what made her up as a person. Children knew they were cared for and safe with Tracey. It isn't any wonder that her death has touched so many former pupils who remember her as “ the teacher who helped me believe in myself” or “ the teacher who helped me through a rough time”. She went the extra mile. Knowing that many children in her class didn't get breakfast and were hungry, she used her own money to buy them toast or fruit at breaktime. When she knew a child wasn't going to get a birthday cake at home, she brought one in to school and they shared it as a class. Tracey couldn't bear the thought of a child being hurt emotionally or physically. Her classes were fun and she wasn't strict. Although this didn't always work in her favour in many ways, she kept to what she believed was the best for the children. The kindness didn't end with the children either. She worried about the parents as well and actively looked for ways to help them if she could. Nothing was too much trouble.

Tracey's soft and sensitive nature eventually broke her down and she succumbed to a period of anxiety and depression. She left her beloved job of over 20 years and began to try and heal herself from the many stresses and strains she felt over the past few years. Finally she felt strong enough to return to the profession she adored and began a new role as a supply teacher. She loved her new role and once again felt valued and worthy. The schools she visited asked for her back and her supply agency sang her praises. She was back to her old smiley self and once again had a spring in her step. Things were on the up for Tracey again and she couldn't have been happier.

Cruelly, this happiness wasn't to last. She went to work on the Tuesday and by Wednesday went to bed with what she thought was flu. By Saturday evening, she was still feeling unwell but managing to stay hydrated and rest with her fiancé Mark caring for her. After going to the toilet around 3 in the morning, she came back to bed and asked Mark for a cuddle expressing that she was shivering and cold. Five hours later, paramedics were frantically working on Tracey. Despite their best efforts, Tracey sadly could not be revived. The 18th November will forever be marked as a dark day for a many of us.

The space and void Tracey has left is indeed deep and dark. She touched many lives with her kindness and ability to see the good in others when they often didn't see it themselves. A soft and gentle soul who the world would have benefited having around for a long while more. She fed and spoke to the birds every morning, cried at Paul O'Grady's For the Love of Dogs while wondering how she could help out and was always on the lookout for those who she thought needed a kind word, a hug or just a smile. Her smile will be missed as it spoke volumes about her soul. It was warm and inviting and unpretentious.

Unexpected loss brings its own set of burdens. For Tracey's fiancé Mark and daughters Holly and Jade, the burden is not only being without the absolute love and rock of their lives but the cost of the funeral. As Tracey was in the process of getting back on her feet before shortly being struck down, the money was tight already. The added stress of paying for funeral costs is one hardship it would be lovely for them to be relieved of. It has been asked of both Holly and Mark how others can help. The simplest way to directly help them in these dark and mournful days it to ease their burden financially with the funeral costs. A donation however small will aid in softening the financial blow of Tracey's untimely death and is gratefully received. A proportion of the money raised will be donated to Battersea Dogs Home as the program always made her cry happy tears and Mr. O'Grady made her smile.

Walk ahead of us Tracey. You have been a delight and inspiration to share space and time with. A much loved and missed mother, partner, sister, daughter, nanny, teacher and friend. Goodnight my lovely. Until we meet again x
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Donations 

  • Chris Watson
    • £100 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Emily Lovell
Organizer
England
Mark Sampson
Beneficiary

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