The husband of a Fife mother of four found dead just yards from her front door has described her as “a born carer”.
Rachel Adams (47) was found in woods at Fordell Estate, Hillend, on Monday morning. She had left her home to go jogging at 10am on Sunday.
The grim discovery was made by a photographer who was in the area around late morning after the police issued a missing person appeal.
Her husband, Phil, today released a tribute through Fife Police saying: “Rachel was a born carer. She had the caring capacity of 10 normal people. This made her a great nurse, an outstanding mother and the best wife a man could hope for.
“She was taken from us far too soon.”
Superintendent Dougie Milton said: “We are continuing our investigation into the tragic death of Rachel Adams. At this stage there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.
“We await the result of the post mortem examination and at this time our thoughts are with Rachel’s family.”
Mrs Adams, who was the wife of digital services professional Phil and mum to four daughters, was a nurse who had also worked for Growforth plant suppliers in Hillend.
One resident described Mrs Adams as a “kind woman who doted on her children”.
He added: “She was always outdoors, either running her regular route around the estate or out walking her two dogs.
“She was a friendly person who would stop for a chat. She was also involved in the residents’ group.”
He continued: “I know she worked as a cancer nurse in Edinburgh and recently ran a half-marathon for a cancer charity.
“She was very close to all her children, who went to the local schools. When we heard she was missing after going out for a jog, we all just hoped she would have sprained her ankle.”
Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “I was speaking to her on Saturday and she was in good sprits. I just can’t believe it. My thoughts go out to her poor family.”
Devastated friends described her as a stalwart who had worked tirelessly in the nearby communities of Dalgety Bay and Aberdour to raise money for charity and organise children’s events.
As part of the Aberdour Festival committee, she took charge of organising the children’s programme.
Committee chairman Roy Devon said: “She was involved in the festival for a long time. I’m sure many parents are indebted to her because she helped with the children’s programme.
“She was an absolute stalwart. The children’s programme is probably the most important part of the festival and she came up with lots of fun things for children to do throughout the years.
“She will be sadly missed. The whole community’s thoughts are with Phil and the girls.”
Mrs Adams was a graduate of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and was involved in drama.
She also took pottery classes in Culross a few years ago, where she met hospital radio presenter Vida Kirkhope.
Ms Kirkhope said: “She was such a lovely person who loved her family a lot. She was very good at pottery and we were all sorry she gave up.”