On Tuesday 20th October, Crewkerne lost Lucy Silcocks. She was just 32.

Lucy was Joshua Bonehill-Paine's fiancée, his best friend and, in his words, his soulmate. They met in the summer of 2019, got engaged the following February, and built their life together here in Crewkerne, the town that inspired the Crewkerne Gazette, which Joshua co-founded.

Above everything, Lucy was a mum. She doted on their three boys, Leo (6), Max (5) and Jack (2), and they were the centre of her world. She was a gifted artist, quick to laugh, and the heart of their home.

Lucy took her own life. Her loss has devastated Joshua and the boys, and Joshua is struggling to find a way forward without her.

Joshua wants Lucy to have the send-off she deserves, in the town they called home. But alongside the cost of her funeral, the family has lost the income that kept a roof over their heads, and Christmas is only weeks away.

Nothing can bring Lucy back. But your kindness can give her a farewell worthy of her, and ease some of the hardship facing Leo, Max and Jack in the hardest winter of their young lives.

Every donation, however small, and every share means more than we can say. All money raised will go towards Lucy's funeral and supporting the boys through the months ahead.

A massive thank you on behalf of Joshua and the boys, who will be very grateful of your support during this incredibly difficult time.

Alex Wood

*If Lucy's story has affected you, Samaritans are there day or night, free, on 116 123.*