My mother, Seonaid Wootton, who has died aged 79, found her passion for championing disadvantaged children early in her teaching career. She worked in Yorkshire as a deputy head and then for a decade as a headteacher, turning round a school for children with special educational needs. On retirement in 2002, she pursued her dream to become self-sufficient, winning awards for her homegrown produce.
A little over a year ago Mum was given a terminal diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer, which she faced with her trademark pragmatism and good humour. She had no self-pity, just courage and gratitude for those around her trying to help.
