Tragedy struck after the bodies of a married couple were pulled from a river. Rachael and Helen Patching, originally from the Kent area, had been visiting Wales on holiday before their bodies were found earlier this month.
Rachael, 33, and Helen, 52, died at Ystradfellte Falls in Powys after concerns were raised about two people being in the water on January 4. Their bodies were recovered from the water in the days that followed.
Their heartbroken families have since paid tribute to the 'selfless and loving' couple, whose 'endless laughter will be forever remembered'.
The joint family statement said: “We are devastated to have suffered such an immeasurable loss following the news of Rachael and Helen’s passing at just 33 and 52. They were such a devoted, selfless, and loving couple having had an immensely positive impact on all those they met.
“Their love for animals and dedication to caring for them so lovingly over the years made them a truly admirable credit to themselves and society. Their endless laughter will be forever remembered by all who had the honour to know them. There are no words that can express enough how highly they were both thought of by family members, friends, and colleagues.
“We would like to thank all those who have provided such generous support and guidance, including the unwavering commitment of the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue, the police, National Police Air Support, Mid and West Wales Fire Service, National Resource Wales, the Welsh Ambulance Service and Powys County Council for helping so selflessly at such a difficult time. We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”
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