Tributes paid to '˜one in a million' mum from Havant

Much-loved Micala Sword, 43, from West Leigh, who died from a brain tumour

Micala Sword died at the age of 43 after suffering from a brain tumour.

Micala, from West Leigh, loved the outdoors and so people were asked to wear coloured wellies to her funeral. Her love for nature was further highlighted by the presence of two donkeys at her wake.

Micala’s kind personality was epitomised by her work at Sharps Copse Primary School, where she worked as a teacher for more than 10 years. Two years ago she was featured in The News for setting up a greenhouse so children could grow their own fruit and vegetables.

She has been described by her family as a ‘fun-loving, hard-working, caring, unique, inspiring, amazing woman – one in a million.’

Her husband Glen, 46, and three children, Harrison, 21, Alanis, 19 and Jordan, 18, said that despite her illness, Micala never let it get the better of her.

Their tribute to her said: ‘She never complained about anything and was always full of life, going to work teaching the children which she loved despite all of the gruelling treatment.

‘Despite her illness she was so determined to lead a normal life, and as a family we shared some amazing memories, including a trip to London where she even got to meet the Queen.

Donkeys were guests at the wake for Micala Sword, as she loved animals

More than 300 people attended the funeral at Havant Crematorium.

Mike Elsen, headteacher of Sharps Copse, said: ‘Micala, or as we know her, K, went above and beyond the line of duty – children working with her knew that nothing was impossible.’

Micala’s kindness rubbed off on her family, with Glen and Alanis taking part in The Great South Run, raising more than £1,000 for Smile 4 Wessex, which supports the Wessex Neurological Centre in Southampton.