A FUND set up for the young children of alleged murder victim Samantha Henderson has raised more than £5,000 over just four days.

The online fund was started by members of the devastated community of Corfe Castle, where Samantha lived with her four young children, aged one, two, four and six.

Launched with permission from Samantha’s mother on Wednesday, 200 people had made donations by Monday, including one of £1,000 and another of £500. Yesterday afternoon the total stood at more than £5,300.

A number of donations were from other parents, expressing their deep sadness for the children who will now go through life without their mum.

The body of the 25-year-old was found in a lake near Ham Common over a week ago after an intensive search by police officers. Her children are currently being cared for by relatives.

The fundraising group was organised primarily by Emily Jayne and Clare Tuck with help from Lisa Flockton and Emma Lacey, with the aim of setting up a trust fund for the children.

Emily Jayne, who was Samantha’s neighbour and has children of similar ages to hers, said the response had been “outstanding”. She said: “When we first started we had to put a target amount down and we just put £1 – to see it up to £5,000 is amazing – just incredible.”

The support has poured in, especially from the Corfe Castle community, added Emily.

“Some of our older neighbours who don’t use the internet have posted the money for us to put online.

“It’s heartbreaking and everyone is thinking of the children and the family.”

In addition to the funding site friends of Samantha, who was known as Bam Bam, have set up a Facebook page ‘Bam Bam, In Loving Memory’, which has more than 2,000 likes already.

They have formed SAM - Stand And Matter – with the aim of raising £10,000 for the children.

Hannah Louise Wootton who is leading the project said: “I have had so many people contact me – from wanting to make a donation, to give half an hour of their time, to bake some cakes – the amount of support has been unbelievable.”

She said they were in the process of setting up a trust fund and a charity.

A website, standandmatter.org, is under construction, and they are holding a number of meetings this week to co-ordinate volunteers. Anyone interested in helping should email admin@standandmatter.org

For more information, go to Gofundme.com/samantha_henderson

  • Dominic Isom, 27, from Halves Cottages, Corfe Castle pleaded not guilty to murder when he appeared at Winchester Crown Court over a week ago.