THE memory of a former army officer and school caterer from Horwich has been honoured by a band of fundraisers.

Catherine Price, a catering manageress at St James's High School, died from cancer at the age in 46 on May 27 last year.

Staff and pupils of the Farnworth school have now raised nearly £4,100 for Bolton Hospice in her memory.

Following months of fundraising challenges, sales and competitions, the school topped off its efforts with 21-strong team of staff, family, friends and a dog called Bob taking on 50 mile adventure.

The Over the Tops challenge saw the group take on the four highest mountains in the Lake District in 36 hours at the end of May.

Team member and St James's staff member Jayne Cunliffe said: "We always support a charity each year and since Cath passed away it has been Bolton Hospice because we wanted to thank the staff for the way they took care of her.

"The challenge was quite a humbling experience and it was great how the whole school got behind us to fundraise.

"Bolton Hospice has a lot connections with both staff and pupils in the school so it has been quite an emotional journey for us."

Miss Price spent 22 years in the British army, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer Two, before retiring to Brightwater, Horwich and joining St James's school.

In the summer of 2014, she developed a cough which would not clear up and was referred to a lung specialist in Bolton.

In January last year a tumour was diagnosed on her lung and the cancer had spread to her bones, and she was cared for by Bolton Hospice until her death.

Her mum Maureen Price, from Anderton, praised the school for its support.

She said: "Cath was very well thought of by all the staff and pupils. Her memorial in her army magazine ended with the words of her WRAC motto – ‘gentle in manner, resolute in deed’.

"She was not only my daughter but my best friend and losing her, and in such a manner, has been heart breaking.

"She had carried on working at St James’s School, not wanting her staff to know how seriously ill she was, until the February before she died.

"When she was admitted to the Bolton Hospice, the staff and pupils of the school started to fund raise for Bolton Hospice and have continued to do so till this day.

"They have been wonderful."