A young mum who died of a rare eye cancer will be among those remembered within a school memorial garden.

Parochial Primary School in Deal is creating the special space as an area for pupils to take a moment of reflection.

It will be particularly special for the family of Toni Crews whose daughter attends the school.

The 30-year-old died in August 2020 following a four-year battle with cancer which started in her tear duct. She donated her body to science.

Head teacher Justine Brown said Toni's parents, Jo and Jason Crews, have been instrumental in leading the project and are also helping with its construction.

It is hoped to feature seating, a solar panelled water feature, a walk through archway and flowers.

The pathway foundations are expected to be laid over the Easter holidays and donations of any materials are being welcomed.

Ms Brown said: "Some families, including myself, have suffered life changing losses and bereavements in recent years.

"We want to establish a communal garden at the front of the school car park that is a quiet place that offers a peaceful space, a moment of reflection, comfort and celebration of life for those who wish to remember loved ones.

"It will be suitably placed, linking the garden to our Royal Marines Memorial."

She continued: "Mr and Mrs Crews have been inspirational in leading this project, following the death of Toni who we all mourn and miss.

"Toni bravely donated her body to science, having passed away from a rare and aggressive cancer. Her close family are proud of this, but would like somewhere that is special to go to in order to remember Toni."

Miss Crews was first diagnosed with rare adenocarcinoma - cancer of the tear duct - in 2016.

She bravely underwent surgery to removal her right eye and used her experiences to launch a business selling customised eye patches - Bling-k of an eye.

When a tumour was discovered in 2018 she underwent more surgery but in early 2020, devastatingly, the cancer returned to her lungs and skin tissue.

It was due to the coronavirus pandemic and the halting of all trials that she was unable to access a clinical trial at London's Royal Marsden Hospital.

Instead, Miss Crews who had started driving lessons and was gearing up to start a degree in criminology and forensic investigation, used chemotherapy to prolong her life for as long as she could.

The doting mother used her final months to create special memories with her children, with trips to Legoland and making keepsakes.

These were funded by generous donations to a GoFundMe page, set up by her friend Louise Jefferson, which raised more than £13,500.

She also documented parts of her journey, sharing candid updates about her condition and experiences on social media, to help raise awareness.

Following her death in August 2020, heartfelt tributes were left on her Facebook page with many describing her as a "warrior" and an "inspirational woman".

Mr and Mrs Crews told KentOnline: "We think the creating of a memorial garden is a wonderful gesture from the school, and we hope it will be enjoyed by many."

To offer your help or make a donation towards the garden, call the school reception on: 01304 374464