Family’s tribute to ‘brilliant and caring’ daughter

THE family of a young woman killed in a terror attack have paid tribute to their ‘brilliant and caring’ daughter.

Saskia Jones, 23, died in the attack on London Bridge at the end of November.

She was a former Cambridge University student from Stratford-uponAvon and had been attending an event to celebrate the anniversary of a prison-based education project, Learning Together.

Fellow Cambridge graduate Jack Merritt, 25, was also killed.

In a statement from the family released by the Metropolitan Police, it was revealed that a fundraising website has been set up in her memory in aid of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

The family also thanked everyone who had expressed condolences, as well as police for their support.

The statement said: “We would like to thank all those who have expressed their condolences over the past week, since the events of Friday, 29 November.

“The family are devastated by the loss of Saskia, a brilliant, caring daughter, grand-daughter, niece, cousin, friend and colleague.

“We are very grateful for the huge number of messages of support we have received from family, friends and strangers alike. Their thoughts are very much appreciated.

It has been made very clear that Saskia is held in the highest esteem by many people and that she had touched so many lives in a short time.

“We have also found the support of the Metropolitan Police invaluable at this difficult time.

“A memorial service, to celebrate Saskia’s life, will be held at 12 noon on Friday, 20 December 2019, at Holy Trinity Church, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BG.

“Family flowers only please.

“Donations please to Saskia’s favourite charity, Warwickshire Air Ambulance.

“We thank all those who have respected our wish for privacy and ask that this wish continues to be upheld.”

More than £800 has already been raised. The fundraising site describes Saskia as a ‘funny, kind, positive influence at the centre of many people’s lives’ who was ‘intent on living life to the full.’

It adds that Saskia was involved in a serious road traffic crash at the age of six, and that the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance helped to save her life.