A FUNDRAISING drive in memory of a woman who died while backpacking in New Zealand has raised almost £5,500 in just one week.

The online page was launched by University of Lincoln in memory of Grace Millane, 22, from Wickford, who was found dead just outside Auckland.

A 26-year-old man who cannot be named has been charged with her murder.

Grace’s body has now been flown home to the UK.

The page reads: “Grace Millane was a beautiful young woman who spent her three years at university as a cherished member of the hockey club.

READ MORE: New Zealand PM apologises to family of Wickford's Grace Millane

“Upon learning the tragic news, the society have decided to raise money in Grace’s honour for Lincolnshire based cancer charity Candles and the Lucie Blackman trust, which support British victims overseas and have supported her family during this time.

“Any support is greatly appreciated, whether that be a donation or simply sharing this campaign.”

The university also worked on a fundraising hockey match in aid of the charities.

Last week, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave an emotional apology to Miss Millane’s family, saying: “Your daughter should have been safe here, and she wasn’t, and I’m sorry for that.

“I cannot imagine the grief of her family and what they would be experiencing and feeling right now.”

Police initially launched a missing person inquiry for the graduate after her parents became concerned she did not reply to birthday wishes sent on December 2.

A week later, on December 8, police said they were treating the case as a homicide investigation and a day later a body was found in the Waitakere Ranges, about 10 metres away from the road.

Grace’s body was formally identified last week and her family began organising her repatriation.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Auckland District Court charged with murder. To donate go to https://tinyurl.com/GraceMillaneCharityPage.