Lucy Helmore

Lucy Margaret Mary Birley (née Helmore; 18 September 1959 – 23 July 2018) was a British model, photographer, and socialite.

Early life Birley was born in Shropshire and raised in Kensington She was the daughter of Mary (née Hull) and Patrick Helmore, an underwriter at the Lloyd's of London insurance corporation. Her brother is Edward Helmore, a journalist for The Guardian and The Observer.

She attended Woldingham School and began fox-hunting at the age of twelve.

Death She died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on 23 July 2018, aged 58, while on holiday in County Clare, Ireland, following what was described by her brother Ed Helmore as "a long battle with depression". Her husband announced her death in a joint statement with her children: "On Monday Lucy Birley (nee Helmore) passed away whilst on holiday in Ireland, surrounded by her beloved dogs, Daisy, Peg and Daphne. Her husband Robin, and her sons – Otis, Isaac, Tara and Merlin – are understandably devastated and request that their privacy be respected during this difficult time".

Birley's ashes were scattered at her mother's grave in County Clare.