March 2022
This is the time of the year I personally dislike the most. It seems everyone you meet, the first thing people say is, “Isn’t the year going fast, I can’t believe it is April already.” It is a stark reminder how quickly time and life can pass. This is a message we give to students all the time, make the most of the time, take the opportunities that are available in the academy. This also becomes apparent when we are faced with the reality of our own mortality.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the devastating news that Leanne Spooner; former student, colleague and friend passed away on 8th March. Leanne was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in January 2022.
As a community we have been deeply sadden by this news and have come together to support each other; as an academy we are putting in a range of events from a charity staff netball match to a memorial service all to commemorate the life and impact Leanne had on many lives in her time at Erdington Academy.
S Mallett
Head of Academy
What follows is a recognition from Lisa Millward who knew Leanne as a Student and Colleague.
Leanne was a student at Kingsbury School from 1996 until 2001. She was the most amazing student and I had the pleasure to teach her PE. Her enthusiasm, positivity, talent, empathy towards others, coupled with that beautiful smile that lit up the whole room will have a place in my heart forever. Leanne was also a formidable netball player, representing the school team throughout her five years at the school. She was also a founder member of Stockland Belles Netball Club which started in 2012, playing WA alongside many of her former school friends and teammates.
Not only was Leanne an exemplary student, but she was also an outstanding teacher. Coming back to work at her school from April 2015 until August 2019 as a Lead Practitioner in the Maths Faculty, before leaving to take up a maths position in Oman.
I am in awe of how incredible Leanne was. She has been a huge force in mine, and so many other peoples’ lives – she humbly gave to so many people. The messages of support, the outpouring of shared grief and shock are the testament to who she was, and the reach she had to so many people.
Rest in peace Leanne Spooner you truly beautiful soul, my condolences, love and prayers to all your family and friends, you will be greatly missed.
Leanne was a wonderful mother to her 6-year-old daughter Mya, who is as fearless, fun loving and kind as Leanne was. If you would like to donate to a trust fund for Mya in memory of Leanne please go directly to her ‘Go Fund Me’ page. £16,448 of the £20, 000 target has already been raised.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/wb93z-helpLea-PDE/share
“Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us everyday unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so dear….”
