The heartbroken sister of murder-suicide victim Helen Barlow has revealed her devastation.
Helen was found dead along with her partner, Richard Leishman, at a house in North Shields five weeks ago.
Detectives later confirmed that the couple's death was being treated as a "murder-suicide".
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They said Helen, 54, had suffered injuries "consistent with an assault" while Richard, 64, appeared to have self-inflicted wounds. Helen's sister, Louise Jessop, has now set up an online fundraising page in her memory.
And in a post on the JustGiving page she has told of her heartache. Louise wrote: "Helen's death was untimely and unjust. It has left a hole in our world that will never be filled, along with many thoughts and feelings that are difficult to cope with."
Helen's funeral will be held at Tynemouth Crematorium on Friday September 23. And her family are now raising money for the charity Victim Support, which has been helping them.
Louise continued: "We continue to receive help from Victim Support and as a way to acknowledge and give thanks, we'd like to raise money for the charity so they can provide support for families just like ours who never thought they'd find themselves in the position we have.
"If you knew Helen, if she made you laugh, or cry with frustration (like she did me) and would like to make a donation in her memory, please donate whatever amount you see fit."
Helen and Richard's bodies were found when police were called to a house on The Quadrant, on the afternoon of August 8.
Investigations into the deaths still ongoing, but Northumbria Police has confirmed detectives are treating Helen's death as murder, but they do not believe anyone else is involved.
Det Chief Insp Graeme Barr, the senior investigating officer of the case, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those affected by this tragic case.
“An investigation into the circumstances around the deaths is ongoing but the evidence we have gathered at this stage indicates that we are dealing with a suspected murder-suicide.
“Once we have concluded our investigation then we will provide the coroner with a full report."
Police were called to the house at around 2.15pm after it was reported that Helen had not turned up for work that day.
Later that evening forensics officers, wearing white overalls, could be seen going in and out of the property. In the following days several bouquets of flowers were laid outside the cordoned off property.
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