A WOOL sale celebrating the life of a much-missed crocheter and community figure will take place this Dwynwen’s Day.

Jill Smith, a fundraiser and former Ysgol Ardudwy PE teacher, passed away almost exactly one year ago but will be remembered later this month at an event on 25 January at Harlech Pool Cafe.

Towards the end of her life Jill, who passed away aged 74, was battling with cancer but still spent many happy hours creating wool blankets to raise money for a selection of good causes.

As she was renowned for her handiwork, many people chose to donate their wool to Jill, leaving her with a large stockpile.

Friends of Harlech Pool are now organising a wool sale to raise money for the community facility, a cause close to the former PE teacher’s heart.

Ali Smith, Jill’s daughter, remembered her mother fondly and believed the wool sale was an apt tribute.

“My mum was very active in the local community,” said Ali.

“She was quiet & reserved yet strong, straight-talking, confident, fair, focused and effective. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone with as much integrity as my Mum.

“She was very popular with the pupils & teachers as the PE teacher for the girls at Ysgol Ardudwy, Harlech, in the '60s and '70s.

"She was Jill Hope Jones during that time - then married to Anglesey writer Peter Hope Jones - she was only in her 20s herself when she was teaching there.

“All my life I have had ladies come to up to Mum and I who would tell me how she was their favourite teacher and how much they enjoyed PE in school as she would help them find an activity or sport that suited them and encourage them to excel and feel good about themselves.

“Later she married my dad, Chris Smith, retired engineer at the RAF Camp Llanbedr.

“She volunteered right up until her terminal illness made her bedridden, by helping children in the local primary school, Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedr, with their numeracy and literacy skills. These children had fallen behind for a number of reasons and she positively adored helping them to improve their skills and develop confidence.

“She continued to help others even when so sick herself, through one of her favourite hobbies of crocheting distinctive and beautiful wool blankets - made from donated wool - for babies or pets which she would then donate to one of her favourite charities, including Save the Children, Freshfields Animal Sanctuary and Tenovus.

“She must have crocheted hundreds of these over the years!

“Of course having been the PE teacher of Ysgol Ardudwy she spent many, many happy hours at Harlech Swimming Pool and would be delighted that any proceeds from the Wool Sale would contribute to the now community managed pool as she believed so strongly in regular exercise to promote health and wellbeing.”

The sale will take place between 10am and 3pm.