Tributes paid to teacher crushed in store tragedy

Hundreds of bouquets and cards in memory of Tracey Askham have been left outside the school where she taught in Bradford.

The 47-year-old grandmother was trapped against the back of her Mini Cooper after it was hit by a Suzuki Vitara as she loaded her shopping at the Idle branch of Morrisons.

It is believed she may have suffered a heart attack at the scene as well as suffering head and leg injuries and she died just over a week later, at Leeds General Infirmary last Wednesday.

Personal and heartfelt tributes from devastated pupils at Immanuel College paint a picture of a caring and passionate teacher who gave all she could to encourage her students.

In the messages placed outside the Church of England school in Leeds Road, Thackley, she was described as an “incredible teacher” and an “inspiration”.

Mrs Askham, who is understood to have taught geography and law, also organised and chaperoned school volunteering trips to places such as Gambia and Borneo and was actively involved in fundraising.

One mourner wrote: “Mrs Askham was a wonderful, loyal woman.

“She would do anything in the world to make every single student in school become successful and achieve their goal in life.

“She’d do anything to help others, even if that mean her travelling to Gambia and doing something special for them kids.”

The message was accompanied by a sketch of the teacher.

Another tribute read: “You were a brilliant teacher. You will be sadly missed by everyone.”

A card said Mrs Askham would be truly missed and said she was beautiful, amazing and an inspiration.

A boy also described her as “the best teacher ever” in his tribute.

The tragic news of her death was confirmed on the school’s website ahead of its reopening after the summer holidays next Monday.

The message read: “It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Tracey Askham, a much loved and respected member of our Immanuel family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

Tributes to Mrs Askham have also flooded in on Facebook and Twitter, where she has been described as “wonderful” and a “special soul”. Many of the online messages focused on her selflessness and dedication to helping others.

As well as fund-raising for school projects, Mrs Askham ran the Bradford half marathon in 2010 in memory of friend and former Immanuel College pupil Adam Cooper, who died of a heart condition aged 21.

Despite breaking both of her elbows during training, she was determined to complete the race and that attitude to helping others was reflected in the tributes of those who knew her as they paid their respects online.

Writing on Twitter, Sam Oliver said: “Terribly sad news – a woman that selflessly helped and guided people not only here but half way around the world in Gambia.”

Amy Cummings added on Facebook: “Being taught by her was an absolute honour, everyone from Immanuel has felt the loss of the most amazing, caring, teacher to have ever been employed by the school.

“The endless amount of fundraising we did a a school because of her has got to carry on as her legacy.”

Lucy-Ann Lowde said: “Just been to Immanuel to lay some flowers. In absolute awe of the beauty.

“What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. Reading the messages really shows what an amazing and inspirational woman Tracey Askham was. Rest in peace.”

Leanne Webb added: “Such an amazing woman and teacher. You will be truly missed.

“You made every lesson fun and enjoyable the way it should be. I will never forget that lovely warm smile when I entered the classroom.”

Katie Broadley meanwhile described her as a “beautiful woman inside and out”, while Marc Steele wrote: “Life is a gift. Cherish it.

“The world has lost the most amazing and down to earth teacher I’ve ever met. RIP Tracey Askham.

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