Tributes have flooded in for a pre-school staff member and her daughter who died with 12 months of each other.

Karen Ayres, who had nine children, worked at Lilypad Pre-School for over 15 years, first as a chairperson and then as a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).

She was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2022 before passing away in May 2023 at the age of 57.

But tragedy struck the family again a year later in February as Karen's daughter, Hollie, died unexpectedly at the age of 18.

READ MORE: Funeral held for dad who died after fight against cancer

“She was wonderful,” said Karen's daughter 30-year-old Emma-Jane Deeley who has spoken out for the first time about her loss.

Emma-Jane took over her mum’s responsibilities at the pre-school when she became too unwell to work full-time.

“My mum dedicated her life to the families and children of Lilypad Pre-School, and she’s been an enormous loss.

“She was so passionate about her work and was simply amazing.”

Talking about the death of her younger sister, who had been doing work experience at the Bishop's Waltham pre-school and was hoping to get a job there in the future, Emma-Jane said: “It was just horrific, we thought things couldn’t get any worse.

“Hollie was following in mum’s footsteps and had been taking part in work experience at the pre-school. It was her dream to work there.

“She’d been suffering from seizures after mum passed, and we are still awaiting a cause of death.

“Hollie was very much like mum and could be quite shy but if you got to know her, she was so warm and kind.”

Lilypad Pre-School moved its inset days and closed on the day of both Karen and Hollie’s funerals as a mark of respect, allowing both staff and families to attend.

Emma-Jane has also announced a summer fair in the memory of her mum and sistern Sunday, September 1, to honour her mum and sister, Emma-Jane is hosting a summer fair in their memory, with all proceeds going towards Lilypad Pre-School.

“We hope that lots of people will come along and join the fun and raise money for a good cause and continue the preschool’s growth in their honour,” said Emma-Jane.

“They’ll be stalls, fairground rides, a family dog show, a bar and live music, and lots of family fun activities for all ages.”

The event will be taking place between 1pm and 5pm at Hoe Road Recreational Ground in Bishop’s Waltham.