Tributes have been paid to an "inspirational" teacher and activist, who defied expectations until her last day. 

Liz Jenkins, a former teacher from Newton Aycliffe, died in hospital on December 19 after a short illness.

She was described by friends and family as "absolutely indomitable". 

Liz, 71, contracted polio at only 15 months old after paddling in the sea, and developed "one of the worst cases of the illness that doctors in the North East had ever seen". 

As an infant, Liz spent a year and a half in the hospital, undergoing tens of surgeries, and being treated with an iron lung. But despite losing most function in her legs, Liz never let her disabilities dampen her spirit - going on to lead a full life, with a successful career and a loving family. 

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Alysia Jenkins Hyde, Liz's daughter, said: "Mam was just sunny - she could light up any room she walked into."

Liz became a teacher at Elmfield School, despite being told that she would never study at a 'normal' school, let alone teach at one. 

Alysia says: "The authorities tried to put mam in a school for the disabled, but my grandparents stood up for her - they knew she was bright. People didn't count her, but she proved them all wrong."

Sure enough, Liz passed her 11 Plus exam and went on to teacher training at college. After graduating, she faced similar prejudices, being told that she would not be able to "handle" able-bodied students, as she used a wheelchair or crutches to move around. 

But once again, she defied expectations, teaching for decades at Elmfield School, in Newton Aycliffe. As a teacher, the impact Liz had on her students was massive. Since her death, messages of love and grief from former pupils have flooded in. 

One student said: "Liz inspired me to be a teacher and I often think of her when I am at work. I will always remember her having the biggest, kindest heart."

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Another said: "She made the world a better place."

When the anti-vax movement ignited during the pandemic, Liz became a vocal campaigner for vaccinations - as if she had had a vaccine, her life would have played out differently. 

She fought ardently for children's right to vaccination, in the knowledge that having a jab can drastically change lives. 

In her memory, her daughter Alysia, alongside Rotary Club Leister, is fundraising to increase access to the polio vaccine, with a focus on distributing the vaccine to children in countries where the wild virus is yet to be eradicated. 

To donate to the appeal, please follow this link. 

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