A FUNDRAISING run will be held in Otley next month in memory of a teaching assistant who was "the epitome of service".

Sue Hope, who had worked at St Mary's in Menston since the late 1990s, died on March 22 this year, aged 58.

Mrs Hope became a teaching assistant, linked to the Religious Education department, in 2001 and went on to support many students, especially through school chaplaincy.

The school posted a tribute to her on its website, describing her as "a woman of great faith" who was "a great part of our family here at St Mary's".

It added: "Sue worked with a range of students, and gave particular support to many individuals.

"Sue had an endearing personality and a sharp sense of humour but, most importantly, she had an ability to understand a person and respond in the most meaningful of ways, often without having to speak words."

RE teacher Jack Tunnecliff has organised a 10k run for July 17 in memory of his friend and colleague.

The Run for Sue 10k will see her friends setting off from Golden Acre Park at about 10.30am and heading for Otley.

The run will end at Mrs Hope's church, Our Lady and All Saints, and raise money for the Otley section – the 198 Group – of one of the charities she supported, HCPT, which organises pilgrimage holidays to Lourdes in France for disabled and disadvantaged children.

Mr Tunnecliff said: "Sue epitomised service, was an inspiration to many people and was taken from us too soon.

"This is just going to be a nice way for the whole community to come together and celebrate the life and contribution of someone who was a saint, really.

"And all these people from the Otley parish and the school have come together and said they'll help in any way they can, whether it be acting as marshals or providing first aid cover.

"After the run, there's going to be a barbecue, music from our students and some more fundraising at the church's Parish Hall.

"We'll be celebrating Sue's life and supporting a charity that was very dear to her. She went on a number of HCPT trips – that's where I first met her. They give the children's parents a break and give the children a great holiday, and on top of that there's the backdrop of the pilgrimage town of Lourdes."

The fundraiser can be supported online at the Run for Sue 10k page at the justgiving.com website.

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