A BIGHEARTED teenage fundraiser from Studley has suffered the tragic loss of her mother – less than six months after her father died.

Loren Lewis, aged 18, featured in the Advertiser in July last year after she set up a fundraising page and raised more than £2,000 to help Alan Stephens re-open his shop, Alcester Sports and Tackle, following a devastating burglary.

Her mum Susan, aged 53, a popular Early Childhood Studies teacher who worked at NEW College in Redditch for eight years, passed away on Tuesday, January 19 following a courageous four-and-half month battle with lung cancer.

Loren’s dad Wendell, aged 66, died after suffering a heart attack in August.

Speaking about her mum Loren said: "She was the most caring person in the world. Such a lovely woman."

"If I turned out to be half the woman my mum was, I would be so proud."

She described her mum as her "role model" and said she would always love her.

Friends, family, former students and colleagues have paid tribute to Susan on social networking site Facebook calling her a "lovely lady" and an "amazing woman".

Emily Newman said: "She was my childcare tutor. She was always there to help me she always understood you no matter what.

"She was a bubbly teacher- I love her. RIP Sue missing you."

Heather Pursey said: "Such a lovely, caring, selfless lady. I am honoured to be able to have worked with you for six years. I will miss our talks and laughs.

"RIP Sue may you be at rest with your husband. Lots of love to your children."

Habiba Aldin said: "So devastated to know this- still can’t believe it. I will miss you so much I remember the laughs and joke we use to share. The best ever and the one that always cared for me. I will never ever forget you."

Katherine Snape said: "I couldn't believe it when I heard the news. She's a special lady who helped me so much while I was at college. Such an amazing woman."

Loren, a student at Bath Spa University, described brother Andy, aged 27, as her best friend and said she couldn’t have managed without him.

The student said she hoped her parents would now be reunited.

Previously, in a twist of fate when Loren’s father died after suffering a heart attack on August 14 last year, Alcester shop owner Alan's daughter, paramedic Tracey, was called to the Lewis’ home.

At the time Tracey did not know she was treating Loren’s dad - of whom she had recently became friends following the teen’s fundraising efforts for her own father.

Speaking on the loss of both parents, Loren said: "It’s not easy to loose both your parents in six months but there’s nothing we can do about it."

But Loren said she is optimistic about the future.

"I think things are looking up now," she said.

Susan's funeral will take place at 11am on Wednesday, February 3 at Studley Parish Church followed by a wake at The Victoria Works.