Tributes to popular assistant principal at Wigan school

Mrs Bramhall was assistant principal at St John’s CofE Primary School in Abram at the time of her death and her association with the Simpkin Street site of learning stretched back more than a decade and a half.

It is understood from tributes placed on social media that Mrs Bramhall died following a battle with serious illness which began when she contracted Covid-19.

Tributes spoke of her particular love of reading and encouraging pupils to take their first steps into the world of literature.

The Quest Trust’s chief executive officer Sharon Bruton said: “It is with the greatest sadness that all in Quest Trust mourn the passing of our assistant principal, Mrs Julie Bramhall.

“Julie has worked at our school St John’s Abram for over 15 years and been part of the Abram community for so many more.

“She was an amazing teacher with an infectious love of reading, the legendary Low Bank Ground residentials and the creator of the children’s special library, to name but a few of the ways in which she made a difference to the lives of so many of our pupils.

“We send all of our Trust and schools’ thoughts, love and prayers to her family, at this devastatingly difficult time as they grieve this immense loss, and we remember an inspirational teacher, formidable friend, loving mother and devoted wife.”

Mrs Bramhall also worked closely with Abram Parish Church for events such as confirmations, communion lessons and services and the community of worshippers also paid tribute to her on Facebook while offering prayers for the family.

Her husband Carl also posted an emotional tribute to her on social media in which he described her role at the centre of her family’s life and praised their two daughters for their strength through the terrible ordeal of her illness.

He also paid tribute to her abilities in education, saying she “touched the lives of hundreds of children” and was “a brilliant mum and teacher”.

The tribute on Facebook also thanked the staff at Wigan Infirmary’s intensive care unit for the way they looked after her during her final battle with illness.

St John's Primary School have now started a campaign to raise money for Wigan charity Empathy North West, a charity which was close to Mrs Bramhall's heart.

Anyone taking part is asked to run, jog, walk or cycle 40 miles over the 40 days of Lent to raise money in her memory.

Find out more or donate at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sharon-phoenix

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