FAMILIES associated with the Cransley School have paid tribute to a governor who was 'warm, welcoming and wonderful'.

Alison Riley died at her family home on Monday, the Great Budworth school has announced.

Headteacher Richard Pollock and Margaret Denton, chairman of governors, issued a joint statement on the school's Facebook page this afternoon, November 17.

They spoke of the 49-year-old's dedication to the school and her commitment to supporting other families.

The statement said: "Alison was deeply committed to the development of Cransley over many years.

Dear Parents, Colleagues and Families It is with profound sorrow that I inform you of the death of Mrs Alison...

Posted by Cransley School on Tuesday, 17 November 2020

"As a school governor, Alison brought a great deal to the discussion and decision-making, given her background as a successful lawyer. She was passionate about bringing new families to Cransley, and promoted widely the inclusive and pastorally-driven ethos for which the school had become known.

"A leading member of the Cransley Friends and Foundation from the onset of the Riley family joining the School, Alison set the standards for social events across the School year, especially if a new glamorous frock was necessary to match her extraordinary collection of fabulous footwear.

"From Bonfire Night to Burns’ Night, Christmas to the Cransley Summer Ball, Alison was an integral part of proceedings. Her attention to detail, her creativity, her organisation and her ambition, working alongside some of her closest friends amongst the Friends and Foundation, meant that the Cransley calendar was filled with joyous events for pupils and parents alike. Always, Alison was warm, welcoming and wonderful.

"Above all though, Ali was a mum and wife. Jeremy, Jamie, Phoebe and Charlotte were her reasons for being – her pride and her unbounded joy. Ali’s efforts and dedication to the School were for your children and for hers. She will be deeply and sorely missed."

Facebook users have also paid their respects on the school's page.

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One wrote: "Sending condolences and love to all of her family and friends, a wonderful lady, who will be sorely missed."

Another said: "Alison gave great honest advice when we considered Cransley for our son and was so welcoming to us when we joined the school.

"A fabulously warm and welcoming lady through and through. An enormous loss to all especially her family and friends. Life can be so unfair, such sad news."

Another added: "Heartbreaking. She was such a funny bright and friendly fellow mum and did so much for Cransley. She will be missed."