THE APPEAL to provide financial assistance to the children of Coleford murder victim Lorna Butcher has made a good start.

Last week's Review story revealed little aid was available to the family to bring up her two children, Jack, aged three and a half, and Sophie, aged 18 months.

They are being cared for by Lorna's sister Emma and her husband Shaun Daley at their home in Bullfinch Road, Gloucester.

Family friend Steve Parsons, of Viney Hill, who is organising fund-raising events, said the response had been very encouraging.

"There have been a lot of words of sympathy and many offers of help. We are now organising two major events – one at the Xerox Club at Mitcheldean on June 28 and another at Bell's Club in Coleford on August 2 – and there are many other events planned by pubs and clubs as well as individuals," said Mr Parsons.

Jan and Dave Pitman, of Berry Hill – Mrs Butcher's aunt and uncle – have become trustees of the Jack and Sophie Appeal Fund which has been opened at the HSBC Bank, Coleford. The sort code is 40-18-05 and the account number is 11218077.

Many local groups have offered to help and among the major events there is to be a charity football match which will be part of an all-day fund-raiser being held near Ross-on-Wye.

Organisers of Coleford's Music Festival are allowing Mr Parsons to run a stall in the town centre on Sunday and Monday and there is to be a pig roast at Tutshill's Live and Let Live public house on Monday afternoon from 2.30pm.

On behalf of the family Mr Pitman told the Review they were very pleased and grateful for the response.

"I would like to say a big thank-you to all those who have helped or have offered their services," he said.

•Mrs Butcher's funeral will take place at The Forest of Dean Crematorium at 2pm on Friday.