Family of tragic Burscough mum Karen Simpson thank village community for “overwhelming support”

Mar 7 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

THE family of tragic Burscough mum Karen Simpson has thanked the village community for its “overwhelming support”.

It comes as tributes continue to pour in for the much-loved mum-of-three, whose body was discovered in fields off Marsh Moss Lane after a four-day search last Wednesday.

Karen, who had been suffering from post-natal depression, was last seen leaving the Tesco in the village at around 11am last Sunday.

Hundreds of volunteers, friends and family joined the search for the 31-year-old, from Elm Road, who was married to husband Phil and had two young boys and a baby girl.

Karen’s family have now sent a heartfelt message to the Advertiser to thank all those who have supported them.

It read: “The families of Karen and Phil Simpson would like to send a huge thank you to all the local businesses of Burscough and surrounding areas and individual people involved in the search for Karen. We would also like to thank the police for the dedication and support to the family. The support from the local community has been overwhelming.

“We cannot begin to thank everyone individually so we hope this message reaches all involved. Your kind words and thoughts are really helping the family at this time. Thank you Burscough.”

Hundreds of tributes have been posted on social networking sites from the tight-knit village community.

Catherine Edens, head teacher of Karen’s former school Burscough Priory, wrote: “We are devastated by the loss of this much-loved, valued and respected member of the community. We send our sincere sympathies to family, friends and neighbours. Many of our students know Karen’s family and we are putting in place support for all... who feel the loss.”

Kathryn Case wrote: “You were the light and life of any party and everybody loved having you around.”

While Phil Comber posted: “I hope you are resting in peace now sweetheart. You may be gone but you will never ever ever be forgotten.”

A minute’s silence was held at Burscough Richmond FC’s game at the weekend for Karen, while Burscough Methodist Church opened its doors throughout the week for villagers to pay their respects and sign a book of condolence.

Donations for the family are being collected at MBark tapas bar on Burscough Wharf.