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Islanders are paying tribute to a woman with a “huge heart” believed to have fallen into the sea after getting into difficulties on the cliff path at Devil’s Hole.
Valerie Jehan (75) has been missing since last Friday lunchtime, when she left her home for a walk, and then took a bus to the north coast.
Her disappearance sparked a major search operation involving search and rescue teams from Jersey and France, but, so far, only her handbag has been recovered from a sheer cliff face – an indication, Police say, that she might have fallen into the sea.
Friends of Mrs Jehan are now paying their respects to the “special lady” by changing their Facebook profile pictures to a photo of candles in a heart formation.
The islander behind the initiative, Samantha Morrison, met Mrs Jehan through her volunteer work and was, "...immediately drawn to her warm personality."
"When I heard of her disappearance I felt a strong connection and an overwhelming desire to do something positive. As an admin for a number of busy local Facebook groups I am aware of the powerful community spirit which exists on our small beautiful island so decided to find a way in which we could respectfully honour Valerie's memory, whilst simultaneously reaching out to support her loved ones," she told Express.
Pictured: Islanders are being asked to change their Facebook profile pictures to this candle formation as a tribute to missing woman, Valerie Jehan.
According to Mrs Morrison, the candle photos represent, "...Valerie's large kind heart and the lit candles represented the love and prayers of our local community joining together to provide light for her loved ones during their darkest hours."
"Because Valerie touched the hearts and lives of so many, it seemed like a simple but respectful way of giving something back to her."
Encouraging islanders to take part over Facebook, she wrote: “For those whose lives were touched by Val, many will remember her for her huge heart and the kindness which radiated from within it. With this in mind, I thought it would be a fitting tribute to join together and honour her memory with a shared profile picture which reflects this."
Many have already taken up the glowing tribute, while others have pledged to light real candles in Island churches.
Islanders have now taken to social media to spread their affection for the “lovely” and “warm” St Helier parishioner.
Pictured: 75-year-old Valerie Jehan, who went missing last Friday lunchtime in the Devil's Hole area.
One islander commented: “Val used to light up everyone's day... If ever you felt unwell or down in the dumps, Val's very tonal voice and her smile would always make you feel better.”
Others described Mrs Jehan as “very chatty” and “one of a kind” and sent their “thoughts and prayers” to the family.
Police confirmed yesterday that the six-day search was concluding, and that a file was being prepared for an inquest by the Deputy Viscount.
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