A SERVICE of thanksgiving will be held for Rosa Garcia Cox, a much-loved teacher, wife and mother, who died at the age of just 57.

Rosa taught Spanish across Bolton and Lancashire, including at Bolton Muslim Girls' School.

She died in Spain, her homeland, on December 23 after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

The service on Saturday, February 29, at 11am is being held at Bolton Parish Church for people who knew and loved Rosa, to celebrate her life.

Her son, Andrew, will be performing a classical Spanish guitar recital and the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, will speak about Rosa and what she meant to Bolton.

Rosa’s husband, Cllr Martyn Cox, who is the deputy leader of Bolton Council, will pay tribute to his wife during the service.

There will be readings, and the church choir will join the congregation in the singing of hymns.

The service will be led by Father Bryan Cunningham from St John Fisher RC Church, which Rosa used to attend.

Cllr Cox said: “Rosa taught students across Bolton and the North West from Manchester City, Bolton Muslim Girls School, Lancashire College and Manchester University, and she was also a highly-respected translator and interpreter.

“Rosa was a much-loved figure in Bolton, where she made her home and brought up a family for the last 20 years of her life," he added.

“Rosa had a huge affection for the people of Bolton and those that knew her are welcome to attend to pay their respects and celebrate her life.

"We’d particularly welcome students of Rosa with whom she had such a tremendous relationship.”

In memory of Rosa, close friends will be raising money for Cancer Research UK by taking part in a sponsored walk, naming it the Camino de Rosa, in tribute to the Camino de Santiago Rosa walked in 2018.

The walk will start from Rosa’s house in Lostock and finish at Rivington Pike.

Taking part will be Sue McDermott, Maria Taylor and Ashia Mirza, with more of her friends expected to join.

Sue said: “Rosa was a bubbly person and so giving in the friendships she had, she was so caring.

“She loved the outdoors and would often be out walking.”

Maria added: “Rosa was a selfless, giving lovely friend.

"We thought it would be nice to do something to remember Rosa by doing something Rosa loved.”

For more information on the sponsored walk, email caminoderosauk@gmail.com.

The walk will take place on June 14.