Pupils and staff at a South Ayrshire Primary School are to pay their respects to the deceased mother of one of their students, who sadly passed away after a cancer battle, aged just 37-years-old.

St Patrick’s Primary School in Troon are to host a ‘Go Bright Day’ in honour of the much-loved Melissa Caullay, who sadly died of pancreatic cancer on Thursday, November 18.

Melissa, who worked at the Highgrove House Hotel, also in Troon, prior to becoming unwell, was known to friends as Mel, and she leaves behind two children, a daughter aged 12, a son aged nine, and her husband, Gareth.

Melissa’s son is a student at St Patrick’s Primary School, where staff and pupils will be hosting their day of remembrance in support of their peer today (Tuesday, November 30), the same day as Melissa’s funeral will be being held.

In a wonderful gesture of solidarity and compassion, all pupils at the school will be dressed in purple for the day and donations will be collected, with the money raised going to the Ayrshire Hospice.

A friend of Melissa’s who wished to remain anonymous said of her friend: “Mel was born very premature weight under 3lb but fought for survival and that’s how she lived her life.

“She was funny, kind. Loved walking along the beach. Being a mum was everything to her.

“Everyone who met Mel will miss her, she was like a force you were drawn to.

“She always put others first, in fact in January whilst undergoing chemotherapy she ran 50 miles for Maggie’s Centre.”

The Ayrshire Hospice were very supportive of Mel throughout her battle with cancer and so they have been chosen as the recipient for the donations raised at St Patrick’s Go Bright Day.

In September, two of Melissa’s friends and her daughter ran 100km each and raised £1,560 for the Ayrshire Hospice as well.

Lynsey May, the head teacher at St Patrick’s Primary School explained how Melissa was an active part of the parent community at the school.

She said: “Mrs Caullay was a valued parent in our school community and we are deeply saddened by her passing.

“She was a great supporter of the school and helped with fundraising.

“We will all miss her smile and her can do attitude. We thought it would be a fitting tribute for the children to

wear bright clothes on the

day of the funeral.

“We will also be collecting donations for the Ayrshire Hospice.”