FRIENDS of Karen raised £50,000 in 24 hours to help her family after an online campaign received pledges from thousands of people.

 

Donations poured into a fund set up by her former nursing classmates from Limerick University at 9.30pm on Wednesday.

The 24-hour appeal received pledges from across the UK and Ireland, from friends who knew her and strangers touched by her ordeal.

It ended last night, with a total of £50,001.

Organisers posted "a huge thank you to everyone for your kind words and amazing donations. The response has been overwhelming.

"We hope that what has been raised will be of help in any way possible to Karen's family. Thank you all so much for your amazing generosity."

Among the last to donate, was policeman Alan Barrie who posted "from a Scottish cop and family, this used to be my stomping ground, such a tragedy. Thoughts with Karen's family and friends."

And Judith Westwood, from Aberdeen, donated and posted "I am so so sorry - there are no words."

Meanwhile, the Sanctuary nightclub did not open last night as a mark of respect for Karen.

A message on the nightclub's Facebook page yesterday said: "Heartbreaking news about Karen Buckley, our thoughts are with all her family and friends at this difficult time.

"As a mark of respect for Karen, we will not be opening the Sanctuary tonight. RIP Karen."