THE mum and cousin of murdered student Grace Millane have been recognised with OBEs in the New Year's Honours List for their work in charitable fundraising and for raising the profile of violence against women.

Grace's mum, Gillian Millane, whose family have many Thurrock connections, and her cousin Hannah O'Callaghan have battled back from the adversity of the murder of the university graduate who was strangled to death in New Zealand in December 2018.

Together, with other family members and friends, they launched the 'Love Grace' appeal, as a legacy in Grace's name, to help women that have been affected by domestic violence.

Gillian Millane completed a tribute trek to the top of Africa's highest mountain.

Gillian has also taken on a number of fundraising challenges, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro when she raised more than £30,000.

The Millane family is well-known in Thurrock where Grace's father David (who died of from cancer in 2020) launched his construction business. Grace's grandfather, the late Martin Millane, is a former mayor of the borough.

Gillian has been reflecting on the years since Grace's death and is featured in a story published this week on Thurrock Nub News.

Gillian and Hannah, have both been awarded the OBE for their services to charitable fundraising and tackling violence against women.