A fund set up in memory of a Norfolk mother-of-four who was among those who died in the Boxing Day tsunami two years ago has passed the £800,000 mark.

A fund set up in memory of a Norfolk mother-of-four who was among those who died in the Boxing Day tsunami two years ago has passed the £800,000 mark.

Louise Willgrass, from Colney, near Norwich, was on holiday with her family in Thailand when the wave struck.

The 43-year-old was swept to her death as she bought suncream in the resort of Phuket while her husband Nigel and the children waited in the car.

The fund set up in her name aims to channel money into projects in the area, including a school, as a thank-you to the local couple who sheltered Mr Willgrass and the children in the aftermath of the disaster and drove them to Bangkok.

Keith Watts, one of the fund trustees and a family friend, said: "We have just passed the £800,000 mark and the project is going well. Architects Norman Foster's have drawn up preliminary plans and we hope to have the finished designs at the end of January.

"We will then put out the tender in Thailand to local builders to make sure we get the best value for money and hopefully work should start in September or October."

A temporary school and safe house for those in immediate danger is already operating.

Mr Watts said the family was spending Christmas at home.

He added: "I can't even begin to imagine what must go through their heads at this time of year.

"They are all very proud of the project and are looking forward to getting it started."

An updated website is planned with a special news page for anyone holding an event in aid of the charity.

> For more information visit www.louisewillgrasstsunami

fund.co.uk.