23 February 2023 , 10:40
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Friends helping support Nicola Bulley's family have shared a moving update as their fundraiser surpassed its goal of £10,000, and have increased the target figure.
They told how the tragic mum-of-two had "impacted so many people", given funds have kept pouring in to the appeal.
The GoFundMe appeal was created after Lancashire Police confirmed the mortgage adviser's family's worst fears, when her body was found in the River Wyre more than three weeks after she was reported missing.
Yesterday, the inquest into Nicola's death was opened at Lancashire Coroner’s Court where it was established she was identified by dental records.
The appeal, which has so far raised more than £18,000, has increased its goal to £25,000 in hopes of supporting Nicola's partner Paul Ansell and his two little girls.
Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog
Nicola Bulley was reported missing on January 27 and her body was discovered over three weeks laterIn an update, a family friend wrote: "We are so grateful for all of the support the fundraiser has received thus far.
"Nikki was the most amazing person and has clearly impacted so many people. We are increasing the goal so that we can help the girls and Paul as much as possible. Thank you all again."
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.
Nicola with partner Paul Ansell and their children
Nicola Bulley with her partner Paul Ansell and children at Centre Parcs in DecemberA 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.
Police confirmed they found a body on Sunday and on Monday said it belonged to Nicola.
The area on the River Wyre, in Lancashire, where Nicola's body was recovered (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)Nicola's family said they were devastated at the news as they said in a statement on Monday 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."
This empty bench on the River Wyre is where Nicola's phone was found (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)Nicola's case sparked national interest from the media and individuals alike - leading to the family slamming the harmful speculation that spread like wildfire.
Devastated parents promise to never stop looking for mum-of-two who vanished
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 imagine, this is a situation that no one wishes to find themselves in, and we want to help the family through this awful time.
A touching message to Nicola on the bridge (CHRIS NEILL)"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."