A fundraising campaign to create a memorial garden for murdered Shipley mum-of-two Jade Watson has passed the halfway point in the space of a week.

Jade, of Wrose, Shipley, was throttled to death by her former boyfriend James Gray, 25, who flew into a jealous rage after discovering she was in a new relationship.

Gray, of Wood Lane, Swain House, Bradford, was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 15 years, by a judge at Bradford Crown Court last week.

Jade’s 22-year-old best friend, Jodie-Louise Farrer-Lovatt, started an online appeal to raise cash for a headstone at Bowling Cemetery in Rooley Lane, Bradford, in her memory.

The gravestone is aimed at giving Jade’s two young children, Jacob and Ella, a place to remember her, known as ‘mummy’s garden’.

The initial £1,000 target was quickly smashed but Jade’s friends and family now hope to raise £2,000 as the fundraising momentum gathers pace.

Donations have flooded in over the past few days with anonymous pledges of £250 and £100 among the 48 posted.

The fund, which stands at £1,010, will continue to run for a few weeks.

Writing online, Miss Farrer-Lovatt said: “I cannot say how appreciated all your help is. Thank you everyone who has donated so far.

“Her children meant the absolute world to her. Everyday she lived her life for them.

“Jade is now known as Mummy Moon to her children so please everyone help us raise funds to get Mummy Moon the best resting place she can possibly get.

“The children have plenty of memories to remember their mummy by, but the best gift they could have would be to have a special place ‘mummy’s garden’ to go visit and make special for their precious mummy.”

Jade’s younger sister, Ellie Jo Johnston, added: “I would just like to thank you all for being so caring and helping us.”

To donate to the appeal, go to gofundme.com/Jadewatsonfund.