This has just been posted on the Search for Sally facebook group
"UPDATE FROM THE ALLAN FAMILY ON SALLY - 4 FEB 2016
The family would like to share the news that the Police have found a woman's body in the River Tyne near to Riverside Quay at Tyne Dock West in South Shields.
The body has not yet been formally identified as Sally but the police and ourselves believe there is strong evidence that it is her. The relevant authorities are now working to confirm beyond any doubt that the body recovered is Sally. There is great sorrow with this news, but also relief that the police have hopefully found Sally and the family will now have the opportunity to give her a proper farewell.
The family would like to thank the police marine and diving unit who have worked tirelessly for the past 5 weeks to find Sally. Diving in the river is difficult and dangerous work and river conditions during this period have at times been a challenge. At the start of January officers from the marine unit told us they were determined to find Sally and their dedication and commitment looks like it has now brought the family closure.
On a positive note we continue to be amazed by the generosity and kindness of everyone who has donated to our JustGiving page. Together we have raised over £15,000 for the national mental health charity Mind and we thank every one of you that has given to such an important cause. Half of the funds raised will be used locally by the Tyneside and Northumberland branch of Mind.
For anyone who would still like to give the link to the web page is:
https://www.justgiving.com/Sally-Allan1956/
We would also like to take this opportunity to make you aware that on Saturday the 6th February 2016 between 10am and 3pm at the Monument in Newcastle there is a Mental Health Day. A number of local and national mental health organisations and charities will be there handing out information and advice on what we can all do to improve the mental health of our family and friends. Time to Change will be there with details of how we can all end mental health discrimination and start a simple conversation on the subject with family and friends. Time to Change is a campaign organisation established by the leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness to end the stigma of mental health.
http://www.time-to-change.org.uk
Finally, 900 people have shown they care about increasing mental health awareness through the donations made on our JustGiving page for Sally. If we all continue to speak up for better mental health awareness the situation will continue to improve.
Thank you again for all your support.
The Allan family"
Very sad but hopefully a start to the proper grieving process for Sally's family and friends
