FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a loving mother and dedicated school welfare officer who has died, aged 60.

Eileen Philomena Herson, known as Phil, died at St Luke's Hospice, in Kenton, on January 29, following a brief battle with cancer.

For eight years, Mrs Herson was welfare officer and governor at Barham Primary School, in Danethorpe Road, Wembley, where she was previously a pupil.

Born in 1950, Mrs Herson, nee Hanlon, grew up in Holland Road and attended Barham Primary School, then the Convent of Jesus and Mary College, in Harlesden.

On October 17, 1981, she married Geoff Herson, who she met as a teenager at St John Bosco Youth Centre, in Wembley.

The couple, who would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year, had two children, James and Charlotte, and settled in Dalmeny Close, Wembley.

But James, who suffered from a severe form of arthritis, died following an operation at the age of 16.

Charlotte, now 24, said: "It was a hard time for mum but she was so strong. Solid as a rock.

"Mum was an amazing person. She was funny, warm, caring. An incredible woman. She was someone you wanted in your life. Everyone loved her."

After James's death, Mrs Herson joined Barham Primary School as welfare officer and a governor.

She was diagnosed with cancer during Christmas week last year, and died at St Luke's Hospice on January 29 with close friends and family at her bedside.

Her husband, Geoff, said: "She went quickly but in a way that was a good thing because we didn't want her to suffer. She was supposed to come home but she didn't quite make it."

Mr Herson added: "The staff at St Luke's were marvellous. We now want to raise as much money as we can for St Luke's."

Karen Giles, headteacher of Barham Primary School, said: "Phil was greatly valued as a friend and colleague by children, staff and parents. Her untimely death has had an impact on the whole school community."

Parents, Cheerise Harrington and Angie Palmer, added: "Mrs Herson was a kind, caring and considerate lady, not only to the pupils, but she was also always on hand to lend a friendly ear to parents who sought comfort or advice.

"She will be truly missed."