Artist Philip Dunn on losing his ‘darling’ wife Carole

Describing her as “the most lovely, warm-hearted and generous person I have ever met”, Philip revealed that he had texted kisses to her, unaware that she had stepped in front of a train at Hassocks on April 25.

Philip, who runs the Window Gallery at the Turner Dumbrell Workshops, said: “So many people have struggled to find the right words to say to me.

“They have just given me a hug. I have had so many hugs.

“I feel utterly bereft to have lost my darling wife. She was my best friend.”

Carole White, 58, had suffered from bouts of anxiety due to undiagnosed pain but Philip said she had seemed happy on the morning he last saw her.

“Carole enjoyed life to the full,” said Philip. “At the turn of 2013, life seemed happy and friends enjoyed an inimitably generous festive party.

“When I saw two police officers walking across the car park towards me on April 25, I felt immediate trepidation. They were so kind to me but they told me the worst.

“Now, I am taking each day at a time. Carole meant everything to me and I am so proud to have known her.”

Carole is survived by Philip and their dachshund, Arty.

Carole’s funeral is on May 14 at 2.30pm at the Clayton Wood burial ground.

Donations can be sent to Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans, 70. George Street, Hove, BN3 3YD.

There is an extended tribute in the Mid Sussex Times, published on Thursday, May 9.