THOUSANDS have been raised for the family of Katie Kenyon as social media was flooded with tributes for the Lancashire mum-of-two.

Katie went missing on April 22 after she was thought to be seen getting into a silver transit van which was driven to the Forest of Bowland.

On Saturday morning Lancashire Constabulary confirmed that they had found a body in their search for the Padiham woman.

While official identification is yet to take place, detectives believe the body is that of Katie.

A 50-year-old man, Andrew Burfield of Todmorden Road, Burnley, has been charged with her murder and will stand trial later this year.

Now, more than £10,000 has been raised through a JustGiving page set-up by Katie’s family.

A statement on the page reads: “On Friday the 22nd of April, our heart-breaking nightmare began when our Katie was taken away from her children and family far too soon.

“We as family are putting together this JustGiving page for Katie to have the best send-off that Katie deserves and for Katie’s son and daughter and their future to fulfil Katie’s dreams she had planned with her children.

“As we know you all want to help, this would be the most appreciated way. Any donations will be truly, gratefully received.

“Thank you for all your kind words and support. We know you’re all behind us.”

One of the ways money has been raised is through a raffle which has been taking place on Facebook.

Dozens of people have also left messages and tributes for Katie on the page.

Alongside a donation, Ian Morrison said: “With the deepest of condolences to all of Katie’s family and friends. Hug her children especially tight each day and night.”

David McGough wrote: “Truly terrible loss of her life - I send my kind thoughts to all who knew her and family.”

Another anonymous doner simply said: “RIP lovely Katie.”

Antony Higginbotham, the MP for Burnley reacted to the sad news that police had discovered a body, saying: “This is incredibly sad news and I know the thoughts and condolences of people right across Burnley and Padiham, and the country, will be with Katie’s friends and family.”

Det Supt Gary Brooks, head of Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Unit, said: “Following extensive police enquiries and after a number of days of searching I can now sadly confirm that we have found a body and at this time we believe it to be that of Katie Kenyon. Katie’s family have been told and my heart goes out to them at this time. We have specially trained officers supporting them at this difficult time. 

“I would like to thank the public and the media for all the help they have given us during what has been a protracted, complex and very emotive search and I would also like to thank both the partner agencies and all of the police officers and staff who have been involved in the search for Katie. While this is not the conclusion to those searches any of us would have wished for I know the family appreciate those efforts.

“Once again, my thoughts today are with Katie’s family and all of her loved ones.” 

You can donate to support Katie’s family by clicking here.