THE memory of a much-loved teacher will remain cherished in a special garden created by pupils.

Helen Lawrie taught at Port Glasgow High for almost 40 years before sadly passing away from cancer earlier this year.

The principal guidance teacher was popular with staff and pupils alike and she loved gardening.

Deborah Morrison, a learning support teacher at the school, said: “Helen was a biology teacher but her role as guidance teacher brought her into contact with a lot of pupils. She knew generations of families and helped generations of people in Port Glasgow.”

The school’s third-year volunteer group came up with the idea of a garden of remembrance as part of their Duke of Edinburgh programme and principal teacher of science Nuala Kelly had the honour of unveiling the plaque.

Deborah said: “Helen loved her garden, my own garden is full of flowers that she gave me. So we thought it was quite fitting to create a garden outside her office.

“She was a friend and colleague.

“She was a lovely lady.”

Helen, who was brought up in Greenock and lived in Gourock, had been treated for cancer in the past and made a full recovery.

She appeared to be quite well when she took ill and died suddenly in April at the age of 62.

The school’s former head Alan Dick previously paid tribute to Helen’s contribution to the school community.

He said: “Helen loved the outdoor life and was very much part of school sailing, hill walking and skiing events.

“She was also on the staff social committee, organising lunches and social occasions.

“She wanted to bring staff together, and also played the drums in the staff band and performed at school events. We all miss her very much.” 

Pupils raised funds at a recent fete and Macmillan coffee morning and cake sale to buy flowers and shrubs.

Deborah said: “The kids have been outstanding and responded really well to the project.

“They have been really enthusiastic.”

The school would like to thank John Watt of Glenmoss Landscape Services in Kilmacolm who supplied the plants at cost price.