A flurry of pre-Christmas donations has meant a campaign to raise £10,000 in memory of a murdered Norwich woman is now within touching distance of the target.

Eastern Daily Press: Rory McAuley, scorer of Lowestoft's goal. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowRory McAuley, scorer of Lowestoft's goal. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

We have vowed to raise the money to kit out Leeway's new domestic violence safe house as part of Kerri's Campaign which has been launched following the murder of Kerri McAuley in January this year.

A JustGiving page set up as part of the campaign has now reached £3430 but put together with a flood of other generous donations, including £1500 from the Proclaimers Church, the total amount raised so far is more than £8700.

And with a number of other fundraising events planned this week, including a charity hair extension raffle to be drawn by Kerri's mum Lesley and a bucket collection at Lowestoft Town's match against Harlow on Saturday, it looks like the target could be reached by Christmas.

Norwich North Alpha Lions Club has also pledged to donate some money to the campaign raised from their Father Christmas and festive float collections in the Old Catton and Thorpe St Andrew areas in the coming days.

Kerri's brother Rory, who plays for Lowestoft and who has arranged the bucket collection at this weekend's game, said it was 'brilliant' the target was within reach.

He said: 'I think its just brilliant and I think you deserve a mention for everything you've done through the whole thing, through the case and the way you've been there for the family.

'The amount of people and businesses that have got involved...I thinks its just brilliant and its going to a great cause, especially at this time of year.'

Rory, a father to one-year-old Gigi and Kylian who was born last month just three days after what would have been his late sister's 33rd birthday, said the campaign was helping the family to concentrate on something positive following the tragedy.

As previously reported kind-hearted members of Proclaimers Church at The Space in Norwich, donated £1500 to the campaign.

Other generous donations include Graham Byrne, managing director of Stratton Strawless-based GB Digger Hire who donated £600 to our campaign.

There has also been a £500 donation from Faith Al-Egaily on behalf of Bungay-based Southern Aircraft Consultancy Limited.

Kerri's Campaign

We have vowed to raise £10,000 to try and ensure a new Leeway refuge can be kitted out in memory of Norwich woman Kerri McAuley who was murdered by her former partner.

Kerri, 32, suffered 19 separate injuries to her head and face following a 'sustained and brutal' attack by serial abuser Joe Storey who then left her to die alone in her Norwich home in January this year.

Kerri's family - including mother Lesley - have given their support to the campaign and said the mother of two would have been proud of it.

To donate visit the Kerri's Campaign JustGiving page or alternatively send cheques, made payable to Archant Community Media Ltd, to Sandra Mackay at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE.

Alternatively, those wanting to donate can send cheques, made payable to Archant Community Media Ltd, to Sandra Mackay at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE.