Nicola Bulley: GoFundMe page for tragic mum’s daughters raised over £25,000 as organisers thank public

The organiser of a fundraiser for Nicola Bulley’s two young daughters has thanked the public after it far exceeded its original goal.

Launched by Andy Lawson, a work colleague of Nicola’s partner Paul Ansell, on Tuesday (21 February), the GoFundMe page has already raised over £25,000 - smashing its original goal of £5,000. The goal has since bee uped to “help the girls and Paul as much as possible”.

Nicola Bulley, 45, went missing on 27 January, whilst walking her springer spaniel, Willow, along the river in St Michael’s, Lancashire. The mother-of-two was last seen around 9.15am on the footpath by the river off Garstang Road.

Her disappearance sparked a huge search operation by Lancashire Constabulary, which gained lots of media attention. The force received a tip-off from some dog walkers on 19 February and after three weeks of searching, a body was found in the River Wyre. It was later confirmed to be Nicola by Lancashire Police.

Public thanked for support of fundraising page

NationalWorld’s sister title, Lancashire Post (LEP), have reported that the organisers, calling themselves ‘Friends of the Ansell Family’ wrote: “We are so grateful for all of the support the fundraiser has received thus far. Nikki was the most amazing person and has clearly impacted so many people. We are increasing the goal so that we can help the girls and Paul as much as possible. Thank you all again.”

Since its launch on 21 February, the fundraiser has had nearly 1,000 donations, with the highest donation coming in at £1,000.

The original post on the page reads: “As you can imagine, this is a situation that no one wishes to find themselves in, and we want to help the family through this awful time. The hope is that the funds raised will give the family one less worry, and will help Paul and their little girls now and into the future.

“The beautiful Nicola Bulley was the most amazing person you could have ever met, a heart made of gold, that shined through in everything she did. Her kindness knew no bounds and her legacy will live on through her beautiful little girls and Paul.”

People can donate straight to the page by going to the website, set up by Andy Lawson.

Family’s statement following Nicola’s death

Following the news that Ms Bulley’s body had been found, police read out a statement from her devastated family. They said: "Our girls will get the support they need from the people who love them the most.”

The statement also addressed the reception the case has been receiving from the public and press. It said: "It saddens us to think that one day we will have to explain to them that the press and members of the public accused their dad of wrongdoing, misquoted and vilified friends and family.

“This is absolutely appalling, they have to be held accountable this cannot happen to another family.

“We tried last night to take in what we had been told in the day, only to have Sky News and ITV making contact with us directly when we expressly asked for privacy."

Before her body was found, a silent vigil was held in her honour at St Michael’s Church on the banks of the river.