Woman who died after vanishing while going for short…

Woman who died after vanishing while going for short walk dubbed 'ray of sunshine'

A woman who was tragically found dead after going for a 10-minute walk near her home has been described as "a ray of sunshine" by her family.

Rachel Jackson, 38, was last seen at 7pm and a major search was launched. However last night police confirmed the body of a woman had been found in a park.

Officers said that the body had not been formally identified, but Rachel's next of kin had been informed of the discovery, reports the Mirror.

Rachel's sister Sarah Jackson has set up a fundraiser to raise money for her funeral and has already raised almost £3,000.

Sarah described her sister, from Preston, Lancashire, who worked as an artist under the name Jeffrie Jackson Art, as "a sparkling ray of sunshine" who was "one in a million".

She said Rachel's death left the family "in pieces", saying: "Yesterday, the unthinkable happened and after an awful day of searching, the news came in that my precious, beautiful sister had been found dead.

Rachel, left, went missing while visiting friends in Preston. (Supplied)

"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 friends and had told them she needed to get some air and wanted to go out for 10 minutes, with her friends becoming worried when she didn't return.

Rachel's friend Helen Moore said shortly after her disappearance: "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 Lancashire Police spokesperson 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 Jackson. 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."

You can donate to the GoFundMe fundraiser for Rachel's funeral here.

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Woman who died after vanishing while going for short walk dubbed 'ray of sunshine'

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