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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Damon Wilkinson

"Our lives will never be the same": Heartbreaking tributes paid to Didsbury woman, 38, found dead after going for a walk

Tributes are being paid to a 'one of a kind' artist found dead following a police search. Rachel Jackson, 38, from Didsbury, vanished while visiting friends in Preston, Lancashire on Friday night.

She had spent the evening with her pals before saying that she needed to get some air and go out for 10 minutes. When she never returned police launched a public appeal for information, saying they were 'very concerned' by Rachel's disappearance.

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Tragically on Saturday night Lancashire Police confirmed the body of a woman had been found in a park in Preston. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

In a statement the force said: "Earlier today (Saturday, April 1) police found the body of a woman in Avenham Park.

"While she has yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be Rachel. Her next of kin have been informed.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to HM Coroner. Our thoughts are with Rachel’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."

Rachel worked as an artist under the name Jeffrie Jackson Art. Her Facebook page shows her most recently working on a street mural in Burnley.

Rachel was described as a 'sparkling ray of sunshine who brought unconditional love, joy and beauty to the lives of every single person she encountered' (Lancs Police)

On Sunday morning Rachel's sister Sarah Jackson set up a GoFundMe page in her memory, writing: "Yesterday, the unthinkable happened and after an awful day of searching, the news came in that my precious, beautiful sister had been found dead. I never thought I'd have to do this but we need to raise funds to give her the most beautiful, colourful, Rachel-esque send off ever.

"She was a sparkling ray of sunshine who brought unconditional love, joy and beauty to the lives of every single person she encountered. I've never met anyone who loved so purely and deeply, never met anyone with the compassion and empathy she had.

"She was one in a million and our family are in pieces at having lost the beautiful rainbow in our sky. Our lives will never be the same and the pain is so deep and raw, but your donations will ease the financial struggles for the funeral and memorial at least.

"I know Rachel's pure love, zaniness and beauty touched all your lives: please donate whatever you can in memory of this precious, one of a kind soul."

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