Friends and colleagues of a 'loving and loyal' barrister who died in Kent are raising money in her memory.

Jessica Holmes, who had worked most recently for the Electoral Commission, was found dead in Sevenoaks on September 20.

She had also worked for the National Midwifery Council, the Bar Standards Board and the Crown Prosecution Service.

A Just Giving page has now been set up in memory of Jessica, with money raised going to Mind - The Mental Health Charity. Almost £3,000 has already been raised.

The page was set up by Amanda Shepherd, who said: "Our love for Jess is testament to the incredible impact she had on us and everyone who met her.

"Emotionally sensitive and highly astute, Jess loved and supported her friends with everything in her. In turn we loved her with a passion that underlined everything good in this world, everything wonderful about being human.

"Seeing and being with Jess was a better day. She was the sister you would have chosen, the friend you adored spending time with, the rock solid support who understood the fabric of life and life’s emotions. Jess made us laugh uproariously, advised, counselled, comforted, supported and loved, even during her darkest of times.

"Watching Jess develop into the passionate, excellent barrister we always knew she would be,putting her heart and soul into life, at times when her own battle exhausted her, was an inspiration to her bravery."

Jess had studied at Queen's College in Taunton, Somerset, and her death was announced on the Old Queenians Facebook page.

College communications director Ken Bird said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jessica Holmes on 20th September, 2019, in Sevenoaks."

He added there will be a private family funeral with a celebration of Jessica's life at a later date.

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