Sister pays tribute to 'kind and caring' mental health worker
The sister of a "kind and caring" mental health worker found dead at her home has paid tribute to her.
Olivia Martinez, from the Pottergate area of Norwich, had spent the past three years working as a peer support worker for the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.
But the body of the 29-year-old was found at her home by a friend in Waddington Street on Monday, May 5.
An inquest opening into her death revealed that she had committed an act that ended her life.
Oliver Martinez died earlier this month (Image: Submitted) Sharing a tribute with this paper, sister Serena Crofts said: 'We have set up a Go Fund Me to help fund her funeral.
'It is also to be able to make a donation to the Huntington's Disease Associate in her name, as this illness affected her life due to her mum and grandpa having the condition.'
She went on to describe her sister as 'a kind caring young woman' who was 'loved by so many people'.
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Paying tribute via the Go Fund Me page, she added: 'Anyone who knew Liv, knew that she brightened up any room she was in. Whether that be by making funny TikTok [videos] or just being herself.
'Tragically, Liv lost her battle with her mental health and took her own life. This is something Olivia had been dealing with for over a decade.
'She has left a big hole in so many people's lives but the solace we can take is that she is back with her beautiful mother.'
They family hope to be able to fund a white horse-drawn carriage for her funeral, complete with pink plumes.
Olivia Martinez (Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind) Ms Crofts added: 'We feel this is something she would adore, along with flowers and making the day as lovely as we can.'
They also plan to donate to the Huntington's Disease Association and Norfolk and Waveney Mind, both important organisations to Ms Martinez.
"She had done a lot of work closely with the Huntington's charity to raise money and awareness of the disease, so any money that is left over afterwards will be donated,' Ms Crofts added.
'We massively appreciate any help given whether it be a little or a lot. Know that no matter what, Olivia loved you all and would be so proud of us all coming together at this time.'
Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/help-for-olivia to donate.
Do you need support?
Samaritans can be reached 24/7 on 116 123 for completely confidential support and advice.
The NHS First Response Service is available 24/7 on 111 option 2, providing urgent mental health support for people in Norfolk and Suffolk.
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