Family and friends gather in tribute to Barry's Lucy Dickenson (From Barry And District News)

Family and friends gather in tribute to Barry's Lucy Dickenson

12:00pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in News By Sharon Harris

HUNDREDS of people gathered at Barry's Porthkerry Park last Thursday (September 9) to pay tribute to charity founder and talented musician Lucy Dickenson.

32-year-old Lucy, who founded and ran The Safe Foundation, died in a road accident in Zambia last month while working as part of a Welsh Government-funded Public Service Management Wales project.

The charity director, who played as musical duo Amber Hour with her twin sister Hannah, was buried in a wicker coffin at a natural burial ground site in the Vale, before family and friends attended a "mini-festival" style event at Porthkerry Park in her honour.

Well-wishers have so far donated more than £7,500 to enable the Safe Foundation trustees to provide more assistance to its 16 projects, in ten different countries. Lucy's mum Glenys said: "I have no regrets about anything I should have said to her, because she was completely secure in my love for her.

"I feel so privileged to have read so many good things about her, so thank you to everyone."

Dad Mark added that she had challenged prejudices and perceptions and that hundreds, if not thousands, of people all over the world would be holding services for Lucy.

Partner of four years, Mike Leznoff, said one word had described what Lucy had brought to his life - "magic".

"I had an abundance of that magic, an overflowing of that magic, that love, and I was fortunate that I was able to live some of my life with Lucy before she was called away," he said.

Twin sister Hannah Fitt said Lucy had reached people in a special, comforting way.

"Lucy was my twin, my other half, my soul and my spirit," she said.

"I am so desperately sad to have lost something which has defined both of us for all our lives." Hannah pledged to continue her sister's work with The Safe Foundation.

Vale AM Jane Hutt said all who met Lucy were inspired by her.

"She crammed so much into every moment, into every day, especially in her time in Africa in the last few weeks," said Ms Hutt.

Lucy is survived by her mum Glenys and dad Mark Dickenson, sisters Louise and Danielle, twin sister Hannah Fitt, Hannah's husband Matt, nieces Maisie and Habbiba, nephew Harvey and partner Mike.

Donations to The Safe Foundation, in Lucy's memory, can be made via www.thesafefoundation.co.uk