A WELL-LOVED former swimming teacher who helped over 30,000 children learn to swim has died after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Sue Cook of Traherne Close, Hitchin, a lifelong member of Hitchin Swimming Club, died on March 15 aged 69. Sue dedic

A WELL-LOVED former swimming teacher who helped over 30,000 children learn to swim has died after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Sue Cook of Traherne Close, Hitchin, a lifelong member of Hitchin Swimming Club, died on March 15 aged 69.

Sue dedicated 37 years to the club, becoming honorary secretary aged 17 and retiring as president in 1994.

But it was as a swimming teacher that she will be most remembered, teaching a school swimming programme from 1973 to 2000 in the outdoor and then indoor Hitchin pools as well as in schools including Hitchin Girls and St Andrews in Hitchin and St Francis in Letchworth GC, as well as at RAF Henlow.

She also instigated the Life Saving Club in the late1950s, which continues today at the Hitchin Swimming Centre.

Sue is survived by her husband Dave, children Stephen, Lindsay and Rachel and five grandchildren.

The funeral service will take place at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Monday from 1.30pm, where all family and friends will be welcome.