The family of a Shropshire teacher who lost a long battle against illness at the age of 38 is to present £4,000 to the hospital staff who fought to save her.

Elizabeth Baker, of Horsehay, Telford, had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since she was 23.

She was believed to have contracted the rare respiratory disease obliterative bronchiolitis in 2007 and she died at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford on August 25.

Her funeral, which Mrs Baker had insisted should be more like a wedding, with bright colours and stylish hats, was held at Telford Crematorium on September 8 and the money was raised in donations.

Contributions to the collection were made not only by relatives and mourners but also by Mrs Baker’s former school, Ercall Wood Technology College in Telford, and her husband Russell’s employers, Hampshire-based forklift truck manufacturers Hyster.

Mr Baker, 39, is to join other members of the family to present the cheque to the respiratory team at the Princess Royal to buy equipment. Mr Baker, who first met his wife when she was 17, said: “She was an amazingly caring person who loved children. I just hope the money raised by the donations can be used to help save lives.”

Mrs Baker taught design and technology at Ercall Wood for 14 years until ill health forced her to retire two years ago. Headteacher Kathryn Owen-Reece described Mrs Baker as a much loved and highly regarded teacher.

Mrs Baker was the elder daughter of John and Jan Foster of Albrighton, near Shifnal, and the sister of Susie Foster.