Body of depressed teacher found near Arundel (From The Argus)

Body of depressed teacher found near Arundel

4:30pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

The body of a teacher was found yesterday in woodland as her family frantically handed out leaflets asking for news of her whereabouts.

A member of the public out walking discovered Sandra Hall’s body in land off the A27 on Sunday morning, four weeks after her disappearance.

Police sealed off the copse by Tye Lane, Walberton, near Arundel, following the discovery.

It followed a massive, four-week hunt for Mrs Hall, 56, who was last seen heading to church on February 3.

At the same time as Mrs Hall’s body was discovered her family, friends, police and members of the community were gathering just a few miles away in Bognor and preparing to hand out leaflets and visit churches where she frequented. 

This was called off as the news filtered through she had been found. Her body was discovered on her daughter Izzy’s birthday, friends on Facebook said.

Yesterday Mrs Hall’s daughter Emma Cullingford said: “The police have called us to say they found my mum’s body this morning in Walberton.

“We will be identifying her tomorrow so I will be able to tell you all more then. My mum is at peace now.”

Previously she described her mother, who friends said at one point worked as a supply RE teacher, as “a generous, loving spirit” who was “always prepared to go that extra mile to help and support others”.

Inspector Nick Bowman yesterday said: “News of the discovery is terribly sad. “Today we were out renewing our appeals when we received a call from a member of the public.

“He had been out walking when he found the body of a woman.

“We believe the body is Sandra’s and we have informed her family. We are not treating her death as suspicious.

“Our thoughts are with her family who, like us, had held out hope that she would be found safe and well.”

Police had launched a huge search for Mrs Hall, who suffered from depression, and were set to visit churches in the Bognor area yesterday – four weeks to the day after she disappeared.

She was last seen heading to church after leaving her home in Gunwin Court, Aldwick, Bognor, and her family set up a Facebook page – Help Find Sandra Hall – appealing for information.

People paid tribute to Mrs Hall yesterday. Friend Sally Whitaker said: “She is one of the kindest women you would ever meet.

“I thank her for the joy she brought to the children she worked with and myself.”

Alan Main said she was a “truly remarkable lady”.

Sarah Evans said: “Sandra was an incredibly special and caring lady and a real blessing to so many children, young people and adults.”

Jan Ashbridge added: “I remember her as being so full of love and under- standing.”

Diane Parsons, addressing her children directly, said: “Your mum was a special friend and a generous and giving person. I have memories of some very special times with your mum.”