Tragic De La Salle teacher Debbie Rooke, from Westcliff, remembered with fund

Debbie Rooke was a popular science and special needs teacher at De La Salle Catholic School.

She died from injuries sustained when her bicycle was involved in a accident with a car in Norfolk in April.

Her family, from Westcliff, have set up the Debbie Rooke Memorial Fund, which will raise money to provide prizes for pupils who have achieved against the odds at De La Salle School.

The secondary purpose is to support a charity that Debbie supported during her life, Mary’s Meals, which provides a hot meal to school children, mainly in Africa and Asia, to help prevent malnutrition and encourage school attendance.

Her parents, Joy and David Rooke, said: “Debbie was a loving and muchloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend to many.

“She was also an inspirational science and special needs teacher, much missed by colleagues, pupils and parents.

“During her life, she provided help and guidance to those around her, not just in her role as a teacher, but as a St John Ambulance volunteer, as local co-ordinator for the Legion of Mary and as a friend.

“She made time for everyone, and valued them all regardless of their age, status, wealth or flaws. Her Christian faith was central to the way she lived, and shone through in all she did.

“Debbie’s life had a huge impact on many people. In death also, she has helped others through organ donation.

“We intend that she should continue to help others and have set up the Debbie Rooke Memorial Fund charity in her memory. We also intend to publish a biography of her life, which will be sold in aid of the memorial fund.”

Her parents and brother Simon, 28, were delighted to donate £2,500 to Addenbrookes Hospital, in Cambridge, and East Anglian Air Ambulance, which both treated Debbie in the aftermath of the crash.

If you wish to donate please make your cheque payable to The Debbie Rooke Memorial Fund and send it to Carol Mountier, 158 Prittlewell Chase Westcliff SS0 0RT.