The loved ones of a 26-year-old woman who was found dead at home after taking her life have paid tribute and are urging others who may be struggling to “speak out”. 

Marina Watters, who was from the Toftwood area of Dereham, has been described as "the glue" of all of her social circles.

Her best friend of five years, Cherise Barnard, 23, said: “Marina was the life and soul of everything. 

“She touched everyone that she spoke to with her personality, and she made an impact on everyone who met her.  

“All she ever wanted to do was help others.” 

Dereham Times: Marina Watters, 26, of Dereham

The youngest of two, Miss Watters was born on July 26, 1996, in Norwich, and grew up in Dereham where she attended Toftwood Infants and Juniors before going to Neatherd High School.

She had shown a talent for numbers from a young age and went on to fulfil her ambition of becoming a fully qualified chartered accountant. 

As well as enjoying socialising in her hometown, she was hugely devoted to her family – including her nana and grandad – and liked playing pool and betting on the horses. 

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Brother Michael 'Mikey' Watters said his sister “would always put others before herself” and would never want to give anyone cause for concern. 

“She was one of those people who would not want to tell anyone anything that would cause them pain,” the 30-year-old, from Scarning, added. 

“She was the type of person who could bring people together and help anyone who was upset. 

“She had been struggling to deal with a recent bereavement, and she took her own life. 

“If there’s anything to take away from this, it’s that we want people to know that it’s okay not to be okay.

“We want people to know it’s okay to reach out and talk.” 

Dereham Times: Marina Watters, 26, of Dereham

Miss Watters’ boyfriend of two years, Josh Turley, 19, said they had “so many good memories” of the times they spent together. 

And Miss Barnard added that one of her favourite memories, which they “still giggled about all the time”, was when they became lost inside the gardens of Alton Towers theme park. 

Since her death, more than £6,000 has been raised by nearly 200 well-wishes via a Just Giving website. 

In tribute to his sister, Mr Watters wrote: “Unfortunately, as most people know, Marina took her own life earlier this week. 

“We have decided to set up a just giving page in her memory to help give her the best send-off everyone knows she truly deserves.  

“Any donations and messages are appreciated and will go towards all funeral costs for our Marina.” 

Miss Watters was found by Norfolk police after officers were called to Warren Place on Wednesday, April 26.  

It was following concerns for her safety. Although paramedics attended, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a file will be prepared for the Norfolk coroner.

Because police had had contact with Miss Watters before her death, in line with standard procedures, the death has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.

  • The family has urged people who feel they may need mental ill health support to contact the Norfolk and Waveney branch of the charity Mind by ringing 0300 330 5488 or emailing rictriage@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk to be put in touch with one of its recovery triage operators.
  • If you need help and support, call NHS 111 and select option 2 or the Samaritans on 116 123. Both services are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. You can also download the Stay Alive app on Apple & Android.