I knew Mrs Gilbert from Notre Dame as my English teacher for GCSE English in years 10 & 11 back in 2014 and 2015. I sadly found out about her passing from her colleagues a couple of years ago at the NDHS Christmas Market. 

She changed my life. I never knew I was good at English until then, or that I could write. But more than that, she was the first and only teacher who realised I had ADHD, and even without telling me she would employ methods to help me reach my potential that I know look back on and realize. 

In terms of teaching, she was brilliant, and in terms of loving, she was beyond that. She paid attention to each and every student, and made them feel important. I remember her bringing homemade flapjacks for us and the was she would pronounce certain words. People like her are so so rare in the world and she truly made a difference. A huge huge difference. 

I went on to write my own poetry, completed and undergraduate degree in Law, and a postgraduate degree in Psychology. When things got tough, I would think of her and her encouragement. 

I am a mother and wife now, and my own mother has been diagnosed with a form of MND so I send my deepest heartfelt condolences to her family.