A body has been found in the search for a missing English woman who vanished after going for 10-minute walk.
Rachel Jackson, 38, from Manchester was last seen at 7pm on Friday in Preston, Lancashire but she never returned from her walk and a major search was launched.
However, on Saturday night Lancashire Police confirmed the tragic news that the body of a woman had been found in a park.
Officers said the identity had not been officially confirmed, but did point out that Rachel's next of kin had been informed.
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Friends are now rallying round to support Rachel's family following her death and her sister Sarah Jackson has set up a fundraiser to raise money for her funeral and has raised almost £3,000.
Sarah described her sister, who worked as an artist under the name Jeffrie Jackson Art, as "a sparkling ray of sunshine" who was "one in a million".
She added Rachel's death left the family "in pieces", as she wrote: "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."
Rachel had travelled from Manchester to visit some friends and had spent the night with them before telling them she needed to get some air and wanted to go out for ten minutes.
Her friends became worried as she did not return, also because she had not told them where she was going, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Following her disappearance, Rachel's friend Helen Moore told LancsLive: "Rachel hadn't been drinking or anything which is why we're really worried.
"We only thought she was going out for 10 minutes so we didn't think anything of it."
A statement from Lancashire Police 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."
During the search for Rachel police had admitted to being worried for her safety, with Chief Inspector Mark Baines saying: "We are very concerned."
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