Friends and family of a mother-of-two who died after falling from the top of a shopping centre have raised more than £5,100 for people suffering from depression.

Donations and messages of sympathy have flooded in to a Just Giving web page, set up by Graeme Winch in memory of his wife, 45-year-old Alexis Jane Sims.

The money will be donated to Depression Alliance - a UK-based charity which helps people suffering with the illness.

Mr Winch, of Somerset Road, Teddington, wrote on the site: “Alexis was the most beautiful person both inside and out I have ever met. We were together almost from the day we met 21 years ago.

“I still love her now like I loved her on our wedding day.

“She was so vibrant, cheeky, caring and fun - one of the world's great souls.”

He revealed the reason behind the website was to raise money in memory of his wife so that “others who suffer may be helped”.

Mr Winch added: “If depression could get hold of Alexis I feel it could get hold of anyone.”

The mother of two young boys, Thomas and Benjamin, died after falling from the top floor of the Bentall Centre in Kingston on January 17.

The 45-year-old had worked as an osteopath at a clinic above nail salon Nail Generation in Broad Street, Teddington.

A message left on the website by Barbara Merritt said: “A dear friend who had the ability to light up a room. Her sense of fun and friendship will be missed but not forgotten.”

Another, from Alison Watts, said: “There is an extra star above the skies of Teddington now.

“Hopefully this beautiful lady’s legacy will be to help others in despair.”

John Logan, headteacher of St Mary’s and St Peter’s primary school, in Teddington, where Mrs Sims’ two sons attend, paid a tribute to the mother, saying she was “much-loved” with many friends at the school.

More than 500 people attended Mrs Sims’ funeral on Monday.

A friend, who asked not to be named, said: “This website proves what an amazing woman she was and how shocked everyone is.

“More exposure about the charity's work should clarify how misunderstood depression is and may make more people think before they make rash judgments about a situation and someone they know nothing about.”

Police are not treating Mrs Sims’ death as suspicious.

To make a donation visit justgiving.com/alexissims/2.