Elizabeth (Liz) Mary Hawkins (27 Jul 1973 - 4 Aug 2019)

Elizabeth Mary Hawkins (Liz), age 46, passed away peacefully on August 4th 2019, due to pneumonia and advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Liz Machray was born in 1973 and moved to Cheltenham before starting school. After attending St James Primary School and Bourneside Comprehensive, Liz pursued a teaching degree at Trinity College, Carmarthen. Soon after finishing her degree, Liz married Simon.

Following her degree, Liz briefly held a teaching post at a private school in Swindon, before changing tack and worked for the Environment Agency for several years, something she enjoyed immensely and gained a great deal of satisfaction from.

After a career break to have her children, Ryan & Millie, Liz went back to teaching, initially covering as a supply teacher, but eventually ended up as a learning support assistant at Cheltenham College Prep School, a post in which she stayed until her death. Her time at the College was immensely happy time, with her determination and work ethic always shining through. Liz was immensely proud of her role and work and a huge advocate of the school.

Liz had always been part of the Guiding movement from a young child. When she left Guides and went to Trinity College, Liz trained to be a Guide Leader and this continued throughout her life. She was in charge of 17th Bethesda Guides for over 20 years, seeing hundreds of girls throughout this time, organising numerous trips to Big Gig, Wellies & Wristbands, Malvern Challenge, Strategy and many more. Her determination and drive throughout meant that the unit remained strong; when Liz started the unit was only at 6 guides – after Liz took over the numbers stayed at nearly 20 throughout. For the last 10 years, Liz helped start up and run a Rainbow unit as well, something she grew into loving as much as the guides. During her time as a Guide Leader, Liz took on the role as District Commissioner for the Park District as well as South West Junior Council member.

Liz's funeral will be on 23rd August 2019 at Cheltenham College Chapel, 11.30am. All welcome. NO BLACK please at Liz's request. Family flowers only please, any donations to Salivary Gland Cancer UK or Maggies. Links to these fabulous charities are on the main page.