TRIBUTES have been paid to a former teacher turned novelist who fought a long and brave battle with cancer.

Sue Jenkins, who died on October 10, aged 70, was diagnosed with cancer of the trachea in 1980 when she was deputy headteacher of Ysgol Bryn Offa in Wrexham.

After undergoing a laryngectomy, an operation to remove the voicebox, Sue returned to work and learnt to speak again, but in 1996 was diagnosed with secondary cancer which was so extensive it left her needing to use an electronic voice to communicate.

During her convalescence and medical leave she learnt to use osophageal speech and obtained a Masters Degree from Liverpool University before returning to her deputy headship at Bryn Offa for a further ten years.

She retired from her job after 24 years of teaching before embarking on her writing career which was inspired by her visits to Australia.

Sue wrote and published what turned out to be a trilogy of books about John Cadwallader, a child migrant from Liverpool and at the time of her death there are thought to be at least nine other books in draft.

She married Tony in 1970 and after he was posted to RAF Sealand they settled in Gwernymynydd outside Mold where they lived with their daughter Georgia and various Jack Russell dogs.

Paying tribute Dafydd Meirion Jones, Sue’s fellow deputy head at Bryn Offa, said:”Miraculously, Sue came back to teaching after she’d lost the main tool of the job - her voice.

“Whenever Sue was faced with a new class, she was always open and honest about explaining to the children why she had to use the special voice box.”

Viv Williams, a longtime friend of Sue’s, added: “Sue was my remarkable friend who faced so many difficulties with courage and determination.She made me laugh and made me think.”

Her husband, Tony, said: “We have had numerous cards and personal heartfelt tributes from many quarters and we wish to express our thanks to all who have helped and supported us at this time and thank the staff at the Maelor Hospital for their care, time, help and understanding.”

There will be a celebration of Sue’s life in a Memorial Service at St Mary’s Church, Mold on November 2 at 12 midday.

Donations received in Sue’s memory will be shared between Nightingale House Hospice, The ACC Foundation and the two churches in Sue’s hometown Kettlethorpe and Mold.