On a quiet Friday evening in Swindon, tragedy struck a close-knit neighborhood, leaving a community in shock and a family devastated. Sarah Forrester, a 55-year-old mental health counsellor and mother of two, was found unresponsive in her home on Baydon Close, Moredon, at around 7:00 pm on November 22, 2025. Wiltshire Police, responding to reports of a disorder, arrived to discover that Forrester was not breathing. Despite their efforts, she was declared dead at the scene, as reported by BBC News.
The incident quickly escalated into a murder investigation, with police arresting a 13-year-old girl on suspicion of murder. According to The Independent, the teenager was taken into custody for questioning but has since been released on bail while inquiries continue. Wiltshire Police have confirmed that there is no wider risk to the public and that they are not seeking any other suspects in connection with Forrester's death. Detective Chief Superintendent Guy Elkins, who is leading the investigation, emphasized, "Our thoughts are with Sarah’s friends and family at this awful time. An investigation into her death is being led by our Major Crime Investigation Team and local residents will continue to see increased policing activity in the area."
The tragic loss has sent ripples through the Swindon community, particularly among those who knew Forrester through her work at The Kelly Foundation. The charity, established in memory of former BBC Radio Wiltshire presenter Kelly Jobanputra, supports individuals struggling with severe anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. In a heartfelt statement shared across multiple outlets, including The Guardian and BBC News, the foundation expressed its grief: "We are heartbroken at the sudden loss of our lovely Sarah. She was completely committed to the charity and devoted to her two young children. Sarah was pivotal in the work that we do here at The Kelly Foundation and her loss is a hugely traumatic event, not just for us and her colleagues but more especially for her children and family. Sarah was an incredible person, kind, thoughtful, considerate, caring and funny and she embodied everything that we hope our charity is and can be. She enjoyed her role with us and we all loved working with her, she will be truly, truly missed."
Forrester's dedication to her role at the foundation was evident to all who worked with her. Colleagues described her as the embodiment of kindness and compassion, qualities that resonated deeply with those she helped and worked alongside. The foundation added, "Out of respect for her family, we will not be making any further comment at this time." The charity’s mission, rooted in the legacy of Kelly Jobanputra, now bears the additional weight of Forrester’s memory—a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those working in mental health support roles.
The impact of Forrester's death has also been felt on a personal level by her neighbors and friends. Kerry Marsh, a neighbor and fellow mental health professional, told The Independent, "Sarah was a good friend of mine. She was a kind soul who would help anyone. She was a great mum and did so much with her children, and I was lucky enough to class her as a friend." Another neighbor, Daniella Silva, recounted to the Daily Mail that she had heard a youngster yelling at Sarah a few days before the incident, followed by Sarah apologizing for the argument the next day. "Sarah did not deserve to be treated like that. She was a wonderfully kind, big-hearted woman," Silva said. Despite the argument, Silva noted that she did not hear anything unusual on the day of the tragic event and only became aware of the situation when police arrived that evening.
Wiltshire Police have been clear in their communications with the public, urging residents not to speculate about the circumstances of Forrester’s death. Chief Superintendent Guy Elkins reiterated, "We continue to urge people not to speculate on the incident. We’d encourage anyone with concerns to speak with their local Neighbourhood Policing Team, either by emailing or approaching our officers in person." The force has maintained a heightened police presence in the area as the Major Crime Investigation Team continues its inquiries. Detective Inspector Darren Ambrose, quoted by the Evening Standard, emphasized the seriousness of the case: "This is a serious incident in which a woman has sadly died. We have set up a cordon at the address while an investigation is carried out."
The Kelly Foundation, which Forrester helped shape, remains a vital resource in Swindon, particularly in the wake of such a traumatic event. The charity’s origins are rooted in tragedy—having been set up to honor Kelly Jobanputra, who took her own life in 2019—and its mission has only grown more urgent. Forrester’s colleagues and the wider community find themselves grappling with the loss of someone who dedicated her life to helping others navigate their darkest moments.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting Forrester’s family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the wider community. Local residents have been encouraged to reach out to the Neighbourhood Policing Team with any concerns, and support services have been made available for those affected by the incident. The BBC Action Line and other mental health resources stand ready to assist anyone struggling in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Forrester’s death has also reignited conversations about the pressures faced by mental health professionals and the importance of community support. The Kelly Foundation’s tribute captures the essence of her contribution: "Sarah was pivotal in the work that we do here at The Kelly Foundation and her loss is a hugely traumatic event, not just for us and her colleagues but more especially for her children and family." Her legacy, marked by kindness, dedication, and a commitment to helping others, will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew her and those who benefit from the foundation’s work.
In a town still reeling from the news, the sense of loss is palpable. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues gather not only to mourn but also to remember a woman who, by all accounts, made a lasting difference in the lives she touched. As the legal process unfolds and the investigation proceeds, Swindon’s residents are left to reflect on the fragility of life and the enduring importance of compassion in the face of tragedy.
Sarah Forrester’s story, though marked by an untimely end, stands as a testament to the power of kindness and the profound impact one individual can have on a community. Her memory lives on in the work of The Kelly Foundation and in the hearts of those she helped, befriended, and loved.
