ALISON Connolly’s family have described the grandmother who died in Park South last month as having a “wildly funny sense of humour” as they prepare for a private funeral.

After a flood of support for the mum-of-eight’s family, plans are underway to install a bench in honour of her life.

Alison died tragically after being stabbed at Evelyn House on May 12 and, while the family have asked to grieve in private, a funeral date has now been set.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact a member of the family, or alternatively the Adver, to find out details.

Two sisters have been charged with murder over the death of Alison, and are due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday.

A statement from the family said: “As a family we are deeply saddened and still in shock over what has happened. Alison will truly be missed by all who knew her, she had a wildly funny sense of humour and loved to sing. We have taken great comfort in the way Swindon has shown its support with kind words and gestures of remembrance.

“We would like to say thank you to them and especially St John’s Church, as they have be absolutely amazing organising the sale of unity ribbons and holding a cake sale to raise money for the Alison Connolly memorial fund.”

The statement praised the church, which has been at the heart of a community effort to rally round the family.

“The church has really tried to pull the community together and I know we as a family and the community have appreciated the work they have done,” it said.

“The funeral will be a private ceremony for family and close friends with family flowers only. Anyone wishing to buy flowers, we would encourage them to donate to the memorial fund instead.

“We are hoping to buy a bench with the money raised for the family to have a place to go to remember Alison. For details of the funeral please contact a family member.”

The Rev Linda Fletcher, the vicar of St John’s, said: “We want to give people who live in Parks the chance to show their commitment to peace and unity in the Parks community following the tragic death of Alison Connolly. Her death has shocked our community, but what happened doesn’t represent who we are or want to be.”

To donate, visit gofundme.com/vcteyw.