A former Marlow teacher who is dying from a type of cancer believed to be caused by asbestos has called on her family to launch a campaign pressurising the government rid schools of the deathly material.

Sue Stephens – who taught at two primary schools in the area– is battling the final stages of mesothelioma, and believes her cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos in the workplace.

In light of the devastating news, her daughter Lucie has launched a petition calling on the government to act quickly to remove asbestos from schools– which has collected 1,800 signatures in just four days.

The well-loved teacher taught more than 800 children in her 30 years of teaching in Bucks, before retiring in 2008 and moving to Devon with her husband two years later.

Lucie said: “Mum was a brilliant teacher and was really loved by her pupils and colleagues.

“Mum’s diagnosis in autumn 2014 was a terrible shock because she’s always been so healthy.

“We are all devastated that this has happened and can’t bear the thought of life without Mum. Meanwhile she typically, is worried for all the teachers and children that continue to be unknowingly exposed to asbestos at school.

“That’s why we decided to start the petition. It’s been touching and incredibly sad that many people who are signing the petition have also lost a relative from asbestos in schools.

“It has gone on for far too long and I hate the thought that other people will suffer like Mum, when this disease is completely preventable.”

The family are lobbying education secretary Nicky Morgan to take action and ensure all schools across the county produce an annual report on the type and condition of any asbestos on the premises.

They have asked for this information to be shared with all parents and staff.

In addition to this Lucie has called for the government to make it law to begin the removal of asbestos from all schools, to be completed by 2028.

Helen Grady, partner at Simpson Millar who is working on the case for the Stephens family, said: “Representing Susan Stephens in this exceptionally sad case, I am deeply touched by all of the supportive comments and signatures provided for this Asbestos in Schools campaign.

“True justice will hopefully come for Susan and her family if the Schools Minister agrees to address these very real, current and painful issues surrounding asbestos exposure in schools.”

To sign the petition go to http://bit.ly/1S6PONv