Following today’s Inquest at County Hall, Preston, into the death of Nicola Bulley, where the Coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death, her family have released this statement:
“The last few months have been extremely tough to process for the family. The emotional impact will stay long in our hearts and whilst we’ll never get over the loss of our Nikki, we will forever remember her as the brilliant mum, partner, daughter and sister that we all knew and loved so very much.
“The help and support we have received over these few months has meant more than words can say. From family and friends, to complete strangers across the country and world, thank you.
“Nikki and Paul’s girls have already taken great comfort in the deeply thoughtful gifts sent to them in goodwill, and in time they will read the many cards which are filled with such kindness and love.
“Sadly, we feel the need to again raise and address the issue of social media.
“It’s upsetting that we’ve continued to receive negative targeted messages and still witness wildly inaccurate speculation being shared over numerous platforms.
“We encourage people to look at the facts, the evidence which has been heard during the inquest, and the conclusion reached by the Coroner, to ignore any amateur views and opinions, and be mindful of the impact words bring.
“We want to formally say thank you for the support and compassion showed by Lancashire Constabulary, HM Coroner Dr Adeley, his team, Sophie Cartwright KC of Dean Court Chambers, and Terry Wilcox of Hudgell Solicitors.
“Now we need to be allowed time to comprehend all of the events leading up to this day. We ask that you all respect our privacy at this time, let us rebuild and take time to heal.”
Our Representation
Nicola’s family; partner Paul Ansell, parents Ernie and Dorothy Bulley, and sister Louise Cunningham, were represented at the inquest by solicitor Terry Wilcox, of Hudgell Solicitors, and Sophie Cartwright KC, of Deans Court Chambers.
They were instructed to represent the family on a pro bono basis with the assistance of the charity ‘Advocate‘ and through the ‘Pro Bono Connect Scheme’.
At the end of the hearing, His Majesty’s Senior Coroner Dr Adeley thanked the legal team and noted that they had undertaken representation of the family “on a pro bono basis because they felt that it was the right thing to do’
If you would like to know more about working with Advocate, please see their website for details on how to apply for assistance with your case, or for details on how legal professionals can sign up to volunteer to give time pro bono on deserving cases.
Support on pro bono cases can also be obtained through Pro Bono Connect, where barristers and solicitors work together on the case. Solicitors firms can sign up to Pro Bono Connect directly, and barristers are referred through Advocate.