Jo Cox: Fundraising page in memory of MP reaches £500,000 mark in two days

A photo of Jo Cox shared on Twitter by her husband Brendan after the attack today
Brendan Cox/Twitter
Mark Chandler18 June 2016
WEST END FINAL

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An online fundraising campaign in honour of MP Jo Cox has hit £500,000 in less than two days.

The campaign, set up in the wake of her death on Thursday, has amassed more than 17,000 separate donations during its short existence.

Within minutes of being set up yesterday it had sailed past £10,000 and this evening, just after 9pm, it hit the half-million mark.

According to Gofundme, which hosts the page, it is now the UK's largest and fastest-growing crowdfunding campaign ever.

A comment from her London friends who set up the page read: "We are deeply humbled by the incredible wave of support this page has received.

"Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, shared and mentioned this fund to friends, it is truly astounding to feel this level of solidarity and love for Jo and the values she stood for.

"Please keep spreading the word far and wide. Together we are helping three charities who held a special place in Jo's heart. That is a wonderful legacy, and one you are all part of. Thank you.

Money raised will go to three charities chosen by Mrs Cox's family for being close to the MP's heart - the Royal Voluntary Service in West Yorkshire, Hope not Hate and the White Helmets.

Launched on Friday, the page urged supporters: "Let's come together and give what we can to help create that better world."

It also included husband Brendan's tribute, which stated: "Jo believed in a better world and she fought for it every day of her life with an energy, and a zest for life that would exhaust most people."

Earlier today, the MP's family visited the scene of the killing in Birstall to look at the huge number of tributes left for the 41-year-old.

Sister Kim Leadbeater said: "For now, our family is broken but it will mend in time and we will never let Jo leave our lives.

"She will live on through Brendan, through us and through her truly wonderful children who will always know what an utterly amazing woman their mother was."

Today, Thomas Mair, 52, from Birstall, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, and firearms offences following the death of Mrs Cox.

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