THE heartbroken brother of a Bradford-born woman found dead last month has launched an appeal to help give her the “best send-off possible”.

The body of 35-year-old Kirstie Ellis was found last month at her home in Stanhall Mews, Stanningley.

Police said they were called to her address after responding to concerns about her safety and her body was believed to have been there “for a number of weeks”.

Now a fundraising page has been set up by Kirstie’s brother Stephen on behalf of her mum.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Kirstie (pictured on the far left) with her familyKirstie (pictured on the far left) with her family

Paying tribute, he said: “She has kindly asked if anyone would like to donate to help give Kirstie the best send-off possible, after the way her life was tragically stolen from her.

“We would like to ensure that she has an amazing burial so she may be laid to rest peacefully and that her family has somewhere to visit her, talk to her and make peace with her.

“Although not necessary any donations would be greatly appreciated by all of her family and friends.”

He added: “Kirstie was an amazingly funny, witty and loving woman, she spent the majority of her life in Bradford, growing up primarily in Buttershaw and then later moved on to spend time living in Leeds.

“She was well known for her heart of gold, and the massive amounts of love that she showed to the people around her and the strangers she met.”

He said all the family can now hope for is to get justice for Kirstie and “give her the funeral she deserves”.

Scores of tributes were left following the tragic news of Kirstie’s death.

Carol Broadbent said: What a lovely lass and a really good friend, we had some really good times when we was younger. Such a heart of gold, you will be sadly missed.”

Sylvia Lofthouse described her as a “lovely lass inside and out”.

Emma Dunne said: “You were a kind-hearted woman with a heart of gold. You will be sadly missed by many.”

Elizabeth Fearnley added: “Beautiful lady taken so tragically from your family. Forever in our hearts.”

“May you rest in peace Kirstie,” said Annemarie Bentley.

“You were always a great friend to me growing up. I will never forget our childhood and teenage years together. We had some right laughs. Fly high, my friend.”

Tony Brooks, 35, of Agbrigg Road, Wakefield, was charged with murder in relation to Kirstie’s death.

He will appear at Leeds Crown Court on April 27 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.