“The only thing we really know is that our beautiful, vibrant, loving girl won’t be coming home. And we’re broken.”
These are the devastating words of Lynn Robertson, the mum of 29-year-old Inverness dancer SJ England, who died in a tragic accident on January 4.
As condolences pour in for the former Charleston Academy student who aspired to have a career in medicine, her mother and brother have paid tribute to SJ saying the “gap she has left won’t ever be filled.”
Devoted to family
Sarah Jane – known as SJ – was born on December 3, 1992.
Originally from Aberlour where she attended nursery and primary school, the family moved to Inverness in 2003.
The eldest child of Lynn Robertson, an NHS manager, and nurse Gary England, SJ would soon be joined by her soul-mate: younger brother Nick.
A pupil at Muirtown Primary then Charleston Academy, SJ began suffering anxiety after a string of sudden deaths including that of her father in 2016.
When Lynn met new partner Christopher Vines little sister Katie was born, and she and SJ quickly formed a close bond.
“As a little girl she was very active, very independent and very loving. She still was,” said Lynn. Family was everything to her.”
Naturally talented
A lover of art and science, SJ wanted to work in medicine because she loved helping people.
However, her talents were as broad as the smile she was known for.
As a successful dancer, she won the British Championship Under-10s at just six-years-old and performed in Eden Court pantomimes.
She was also picked for the North of Scotland Gymnastics squad as part of Inverness Gymnastics club.
A tribute from her former club read: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of one of our former gymnasts SJ England.
“A number of our current coaches trained alongside Sarah-Jane when they were younger and remember her fondly as a dedicated and naturally talented gymnast.”
Like twins
SJ and Nick remained close. The pair even worked together at Inverness Leisure Centre, now called High Life Highland where she served in the café and Nick worked as a lifeguard.
“People thought we were twins. We never argued – probably because she was so caring. She would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it.
“My mum always says we’re joined at the hip.”
Following her job at the café SJ began working in the Royal Mail sorting office but Lynn encouraged her to take a break from work when her mental health began to suffer.
Relentless grief
“We’ve all been through a lot but SJ suffered more than the rest of us,” said Lynn.
“She lost two best friends in 2010 and 2018 in tragic accidents, her dad suddenly in 2016 and her grandmother too.
“It resulted in anxiety and a real sense of her worrying about what could be just around the next corner.
“We felt a break could help her rediscover her passion for medicine.”
Describing her previously happy-go-lucky firstborn as clever and very astute, Lynn said SJ had so much more life to live.
Tragic accident
On January 4, just a few days after the family set new goals to get out and about more in 2022, SJ left the family home in Woodside Crescent to go for a walk.
When she took longer than expected Nick alerted emergency services.
Police later broke the news to Lynn and Nick that SJ that she had been found in an area where the family regularly walked.
The circumstances surrounding her death have yet to be established.
“We don’t want anyone to assume anything,” said Nick. “Because the truth is we don’t have all the answers yet, and we may never get them.
“We also have our 10-year-old sister grieving and we want to protect her from unwanted comments and assumptions.
“She’s gone. And an investigation is ongoing.”
Unimaginable pain
But for Lynn the loss of SJ has brought layers of suffering to the family.
“When I think about that moment – with Nick by my side – hearing that Sarah Jane was gone… that’s a feeling, a pain I can’t describe.
“I was crumbling myself but I could see my son’s world breaking down all around him. It’s devastating.
“I had to call my partner on the phone as he was in Loch Lomond. But my goodness, telling Katie that the apple of her eye had gone… unimaginable.”
Celebration of her life
SJ’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, January 19 in William T Fraser funeral home.
Donations on the day will go to charities including Mikeysline and Highland Hospice Crocus Group.
“Katie has been very involved in planning the celebration of Sarah Jane’s life. She’s chosen upbeat, vibrant dance songs that they both sang and danced to around the house.
“Sarah Jane brought such joy and laughter to our home. It will be a fitting way to celebrate how wonderful she was.
“I just can’t believe she’s gone. It’s not just a gap she’s left, it’s a void.”
Nick added: “We just want to thank everyone for their love and support. All the messages mean the world to us.
“And how the British Transport Police have handled this has been incredible. We’re very grateful for everything.”