As a Priest, and as someone who had the privilege of knowing Carla as a referee, I feel compelled to express my deepest sympathy and support for Carla’s family.

Reading this is incredibly heartbreaking.

Ref: Swindon Advertiser.

As a Priest, and as someone who had the privilege of knowing Carla as a referee, I feel compelled to express my deepest sympathy and support for Carla’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who loved her.

Carla was not simply a name or a case file. She was a young woman with a life, a personality, dreams, talents and so much still to give. Through football and refereeing circles, I had the opportunity to know her, and I saw the person behind the headlines.

What makes this even more difficult to read is the account of someone who was clearly struggling and repeatedly asking for help. When a vulnerable person reaches out and says, in whatever way they can, “I need help,” they deserve to be listened to, believed, treated with dignity and kept safe.

As a Priest, I believe profoundly that every human life has immense value. Mental health struggles do not diminish a person's worth, and asking for help should never be seen as a weakness or a burden.

I sincerely hope that this inquest provides Carla’s family with the answers they deserve and, importantly, that lessons are learned so that other vulnerable people who seek help are never left feeling unheard, dismissed or unsafe.

My thoughts and prayers are very much with Naomi and the whole family, and with everyone who knew and loved Carla.

May Carla’s memory continue to shine through the people and communities she touched, particularly through the football community where she clearly gave so much.

Rest peacefully, Carla. You mattered. You were loved. And you will not be forgotten. 🕯️💙

Father Paris Haines

(Referee)