STAFF and shoppers at a Thurrock Co-op store have been thanked for supporting the charity set up to honour the memory of Grace Millane.

Grace was murdered in New Zealand and her family, which has many roots in Thurrock, set up a charity to help victims of domestic abuse and violence in her memory.

The 'Love Grace' appeal has now become an established charity, carrying out great work.

It uses local stores as collection points for donations and one is the Socketts Heath store in Grays. It has proved a really successful point of contact.

Susan Hill, who is one of the charity organisers, said: "It's been a year since a drop off point was set up at Sockets Heath and the impact it has made is huge. 

"We have received so many donations made directly from the store which have gone on to make many women smile when they need it most. 

"However, people who have seen the appeal posters in store and also spoken to members of staff have then also been in touch and donated directly to us via post, using our Amazon wish list. We have had schools donate as part of their harvest festival donations and also one lady asked for people to donate to Love Grace instead of buying her a leaving gift.

"With the store and its customers' help the charity has now have now donated over 11,000 bags. Which is astonishing considering we started off with a 50 bag target. We have run appeals throughout the UK, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Singapore, this has resulted in thousands of women receiving a Love Grace handbag.

"We have been overwhelmed by people's support and were honoured to receive the Prime Minister's Point of Light Award. Support like this allows us to offer a small gift to more women and encourage them to believe in themselves as they matter.

"As a girl from Grays myself, I cannot thank the staff and community enough. Not only are you empowering women with practical support, but you are also helping us provide a legacy in memory of Grace Millane.

"Thank you to everyone involved."