Moving tributes have been paid to an "inspirational teacher who was always full of energy and life" after she tragically died at an eventing competition last week.
Horse rider Sarah Yorke, 37, died after falling at a fence in Northamptonshire on Friday, August 8.
Mrs Yorke, who came from the Newtown area of Powys, was a primary school teacher who taught at Chirbury and Berriew before moving to teach at her most recent school in Norbury, Shropshire.
Headteacher Les Ball said the school community had been devastated by the news of the tragic accident and loss of Mrs Yorke "our much-loved and highly respected colleague and friend".
READ MORE | Powys woman dies after falling from horse during competition
He said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, daughter, parents and whole family.
"Sarah was an inspirational teacher who was always full of energy and life. She shared her love of learning, and in particular sport, with every child and over many years she had such a positive impact on many children and adults alike.
"She was always passionate about encouraging children to be the best that they could be in everything that they did, but would also make time throughout each day to ensure that children had the opportunity for fun, play and laughter.
"Sarah always cared about others and was a great support to her colleagues whenever needed. She will be very deeply missed."
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Firefighters called to secondary school after reports of fire
- Community bike shop 'disappointed' as thieves steal electric bikes
- Powys hotel owned by artist Andrew Logan seeking new restauranteur
Cllr Andy Hall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, also paid tribute to Mrs Yorke.
“We were shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Sarah, a much-loved and highly respected teacher who will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with her – and all who were lucky enough to be taught by her over the years," he said.
“Sarah taught at Chirbury Primary for several years before taking up a new post at Berriew Primary School. She then returned to Shropshire to teach at Norbury Primary and was a valued member of the team.
“Our thoughts are with Sarah’s family and friends, and with all the staff and pupils at Norbury, Chirbury and Stiperstones – the schools within the Shropshire Hills Federation. We are supporting the headteacher at this incredibly difficult time.”
British Eventing, the governing body for the equestrian sport, has called on the community to stand together in quiet reflection, whether at an event or at home, at 12pm on Saturday, August 16, by pausing for two minutes to remember Mrs Yorke's life and to send thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
Paying tribute to Mrs Yorke, British Equestrian said: "Sarah was a committed and passionate event rider whose dedication to her horses and the sport was clear to all who knew her. Her warmth, determination, and love for eventing earned her the respect and friendship of many within the eventing community.
"The tragic loss has brought great sorrow to all who had the privilege of knowing her, and our heartfelt thoughts remain with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Share