THE family of Tunisia terror attack victim Trudy Jones have released a heartfelt tribute ahead of her funeral today [Monday 13].

Blackwood mother and grandmother Trudy Jones was among the 38 people tragically killed when a gunman opened fire on tourists in a resort in Sousse on Friday, June 26.

In tribute, at the weekend, Ms Jones’ niece Stacey Birchard said she was a “loving, caring and popular woman”.

Ms Birchard said: “Her family, including her 84-year-old mother, remain devastated and heartbroken about what has happened.

“They are still struggling to come to terms with the fact that Trudy will never return from her holiday because of the actions of this one man, who did not care about the irreparable damage and upset he would cause to Trudy’s family or friends.

“Trudy’s family are grateful to those that have visited and who have made donations. They are truly comforted by the support that they have received during this difficult time.”

Ms Birchard added that the family kindly ask if any donations are made, they are made through the Gofundme website set up for Trudy or by making a deposit at any Santander branch in the trust fund set up in Trudy’s name. All money raised will go to Trudy’s family.

So far £235 has been donated through the website with messages of support including “All the community thinking of you at this sad time”, and “Such a lovely lady who brought sunshine into every life she touched”.

Ms Jones’ funeral is being held today at noon at St David’s Church in Blackwood.

The mother-of-four, who worked as an activities co-ordinator at Highfields Nursing Home in Blackwood, was on holiday at the beach resort at the time of the attack. The 51-year-old had been due to fly home on Monday and go back to work the following day.

Her body was returned by an RAF C-17 plane to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Thursday, July 2.

The following day hundreds of people including dignitaries, police officers and schoolchildren gathered at the Dragon Circle in Blackwood’s town centre to hold a minute’s silence for Ms Jones.

The Rev Sue Phillips, a Baptist minister in Blackwood, said the community was “reeling under the blow and unable to think clearly”.

To donate to Ms Jones’ Gofundme page please visit www.gofundme.com/yw5d9gg.