A RETIRED teacher has said she was moved to contribute to a bursary in memory of a late colleague because of her “deeply personal connection”.
The family of former St Columb’s College teacher Patricia Hughes, have described a recent donation by her colleague, Helen Foster as “extremely generous”.
A teacher at St Columb’s in Derry for 24 years, Ms Hughes died suddenly in 2016.
Following her death, her family set up the bursary to aid St Columb’s post A- level pupils. Every year a St Columb’s pupil is given £4,000 to help him through university.
Ms Foster said: “When I was diagnosed with cancer, Patricia was there for me. She always kept in touch. She was the first person to welcome me back to work with open arms and a big hug. That’s the type of person she was. I’m delighted to be able to do something to remember her and continue her legacy,” Ms Foster said.
Two pupils who recently benefited from the bursary paid tribute to Ms Hughes. Billy Quigley, who was the first recipient, said she was always approachable and available to help struggling pupils.
“My first thought is she always had a happy aura around her,” he said.
Odhrán McGlinchey said it gave him the opportunity to work with amazing people.
Ms Hughes’ nephew and Sinn Féin assembly member, Pádraig Delargy said Ms Foster’s “extremely generous” donation was particularly welcome as fundraising for the bursary had been disrupted during the Covid-19 epidemic.
