THE MEMORY of a beloved nursery teacher who opened her heart to hundreds of Prudhoe families will live on in the town.

Sharon Gowens began running the Jack and Jill Nursery alongside friend Christine Little over 25 years ago.

Over the years, Sharon’s dedication saw her become a well-loved figure for many families. Her sudden death in January rocked the tight-knit community.

But Sharon’s memory will live on as her younger son, Dan Gowens, has stepped into her shoes to work at the nursery.

And a memorial five-a-sidefootball tournament tomorrow will raise money to ensure the nursery stays open for years to come.

Sharon, who was just 55 when she passed away, worked as a ward sister at Prudhoe hospital before the birth of her sons, Shaun and Dan.

Dan said: “My brother and Christine’s son were supposed to be going into Jack and Jill nursery, but then they heard it was going to close.

“So they said they would take it on for six months until someone else came forward. But it just became her life.”

Christine said: “Sharon had a passion for caring for children, especially those who needed a bit of extra help. She was caring, thoughtful and had the ability to put herself second and you first in everything.”

On January 24, Sharon suffered a heart attack at home and died.

The following day she would have celebrated her 31st wedding anniversary with husband, Ian.

Dan said he and his family had been overwhelmed by support from the community.

Hundreds took to social media to express their condolences and share stories of how Sharon had helped them.

And there was standing room only at Sharon’s funeral at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Crawcrook, with over 300 people attending.

Dan, who left the nursery two years ago, has now returned to take the reins alongside Christine.

He said: “The last thing mum would have wanted would be for it to close.”

Over 80 players have signed up to play at the fund-raising football tournament, which will take place at the astro-turf pitches at Prudhoe Community High School between noon and 4pm.

The money raised will go towards the running of Jack and Jill Nursery.

For more information contact Dan on 07449 964619.