Tributes pour in after Lancaster PE teacher Anne Galley dies

Mum-of-two Anne Galley, a PE teacher at Our Lady’s Catholic College, passed away overnight on Monday after a battle with cancer.

Since then, hundreds of students past and present have posted their sadness and memories of the teacher on social media.

Mrs Galley joined Our Lady’s in 1992.

She had previously taught at Morecambe High, Heysham High and Skerton High.

Our Lady’s head Helen Seddon began teaching at the school at the same time.

“I worked with Anne throughout my time here,” she said. “The tributes we have had show how well-liked she was and how much she did for the students.

“She was quiet but very keen and she really cared about the students.

“She was a great teacher who always went the extra mile in encouraging children.

“Although she had been ill since November and was not teaching, she would regularly visit school to catch up with everyone.”

In addition to PE, Mrs Galley also taught vocational BTEC courses in sport and health and social care.

Mrs Galley grew up in Morecambe, attending Morecambe High School.

She loved all sports and was a keen golfer. She also previously played for Morecambe Ladies Hockey Club.

She is survived by her husband Keith, a former Morecambe FC player, and sons Matthew and James.

James left a message on Facebook thanking everyone for their wishes.

He wrote: “Matthew, my dad and myself would like to thank everyone for the kind words and thoughts shared about my mum, she was so passionate about her job and had a positive impact on so many people. Our mum was an unbelievable person and the best mum we could ever wish for. We will miss her every single day. Thank you to you all. Xx”

Our Lady’s held a memorial mass in school for current and former colleagues, and today, Friday, a sponsored walk was being held with money raised going to St John’s Hospice, which had helped Mrs Galley in recent months.

The school is also planning to make a book of condolence for Mrs Galley’s family due to the number of messages they have received.

“We have been completely overwhelmed by the response to the sad loss of Mrs Galley,” the school said on its Facebook page. “What an amazing testament to an inspirational teacher who very obviously touched the lives of many hundreds.”