I am so sorry that I am unable to attend Susan's funeral.

She was my deputy at Lampton for many years and made a pivotal contribution to the success of the school. As you will all know Susan was motivated by moral purpose and a strong sense of justice and equity. She held herself to the highest set of professional standards and was admired by both staff and students.

Susan was also a great campaigner, organised and resolute, so she had willing followers in all that she endeavoured to achieve. Her enthusiasm was infectious, not least in her passion for teaching English. I think that Robert Fried's work on the Passionate Teacher embodies Susan's wider influence as a teacher and a leader, encapsulated in the following quote: 'And of those who inspired us most, we remember what they cared about, and that they cared about us, and the person we might become.'

Susan's legacy will live on even though she was taken from us too soon.

Sue John