22 February 2023 , 09:05
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A fundraiser for Nicola Bulley 's family has reached its £10,000 target in just 24 hours.
The GoFundMe appeal was created a day after Lancashire Police confirmed the mortgage adviser's family's worst fears that her body was found in the River Wyre more than three weeks after she was reported missing.
The 45-year-old mum was last seen walking her brown spaniel Willow in the close-knit community of St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire on January 27.
A massive search was launched on land, air and out nearly 14 miles to the sear with specialist divers, drones, dogs and officers using boats to trawl the river.
Divers using high-tech equipment were seen trawling the river as specialist officers combed the riverbanks and conducted house-to-house searches.
Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog
Nicola Bulley was missing for more than three weeks before she was found (Lancashire Constabulary / SWNS.C)Police confirmed they found a body on Sunday and on Monday said it belonged to Nicola.
Nicola's family said they were devastated at the news as they said in a statement last night: "We will never be able to comprehend what Nikki had gone through in her last moments and that will never leave us.
"We will never forget Nikki, how could we, she was the centre of our world, she was the one who made our lives so special and nothing will cast a shadow over that.
"Our girls will get the support they need from the people who love them the most."
Nicola Bulley was last seen on January 27
Nicola with partner Paul Ansell and their childrenNicola's case sparked national interest from the media and individuals alike - leading to the family slamming the harmful speculation that spread like wildfire.
The page reads: "The friends and family of Nicola Bulley, aka Nikki, have launched this page to support the family through the funeral planning and for her and Paul’s little girls' future.
"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 bench where Nicola Bulley's phone was found (PA)"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."