A DEDICATED primary school lollipop lady who worked with Pokesdown Primary School for more than three decades has died at the age of 79.

Hazel Greaves took up the role in 1984, a year after her son left the school and continued up until two months before her death last month.

Hazel married her husband Don after they met in Aden – modern day Yemen – where her family was based in 1962.

She was a familiar sight outside Southbourne Library where, for nearly 34 years, she helped thousands of children safely cross the road on their way to and from school.

It was only when she developed sciatica in one of her legs two months ago that she was forced to hang up her lollipop.

Her son Martin said that she “loved” the role.

“She dedicated herself to it,” he said. “She loved it, obviously, otherwise she wouldn’t have carried on doing it for all that time.

“It would have been 34 years this month since she started and I think that she would have carried on forever if she could have done.”

Hazel did not have another job, instead choosing to only take on the lollipop lady role.

To honour her life, her family are hoping to raise enough money to buy two defibrillators for Southbourne, one of which would be installed either inside or outside the library, through the Southbourne Community Defibrillator project.

“This is where my mum stood, crossing three generations of children for all that time, so what better project to support than this one.

“I want this to be a big thing and her legacy, hopefully we can achieve it.”

Any donations to support the purchase of the two life-saving machines can be given to Martin in person or by texting 07866 363975.

Hazel died in the specialist Macmillan Ward at Christchurch Hospital on Sunday, April 22.

She had been diagnosed with breast cancer just a few weeks earlier but it spread to her bones and brain.

Hazel Greaves’ funeral will be held at All Saints Church in Castlemain Avenue, Southbourne at midday on Tuesday. All are welcome to attend.