Money from across the UK and beyond has come flooding in to an appeal launched in memory of one of the five women killed in Suffolk.

AN appeal launched in memory of one of the five women killed in Suffolk has seen a massive response, with money flooding in from across the UK and beyond.

The Gemma's Gift Appeal was only launched on Boxing Day, but in less than 48 hours more than £2,000 has been donated - and that figure is rising all the time.

Sums ranging from £5 to £250 have been pledged, with donations made from as far afield as Germany, as well as Kent, Leeds and Telford.

The appeal, supported by the EADT, was launched in memory of Gemma Adams, a 25-year-old Ipswich woman found dead in a brook at Hintlesham on December 2.

It is raising vital funds for the Ipswich Children's Hospice, which provides care for life-limited children in Suffolk and north Essex, both in their own homes and at the hospice in Ipswich.

Gemma's parents, Brian and Gail Adams, last night told the EADT of their joy and surprise at the huge outpouring of support for the appeal.

Mr Adams said: “We are absolutely delighted. We had no idea how successful it would be, and it's got off to a great start.

“Obviously, it's thanks to the East Anglian Daily Times for their support and Anglia TV have picked it up as well.

“We're hoping that the further and wider the message goes out that we're trying to do something good for Ipswich, more people will get involved.”

Mr Adams said he was shocked at the impact the appeal and the deaths of Gemma and the other four women has had across the world - demonstrated when he recently received an e-mail from someone in New Zealand he has not seen since 1974.

He added that the massive support for the appeal, and the knowledge it will do good for the area, is helping the grieving couple through a very difficult time.

“It's been such a massive happening in the town and everything about it was negative,” Mr Adams said. “It cast a great shadow over lots and lots of people.

“We just saw it as an opportunity to do something positive. From everything negative there has to be something positive come - it certainly has helped us and we hope it helps many other people.

“It can only bring pleasure to people who have no choice about the situation that they are in.”

Staff at the hospice in Ipswich were also fielding calls for the appeal throughout the day yesterday, collecting around £200 to add to more than £1,500 donated through the appeal's website and more than £300 in gift aid.

A hospice spokeswoman said there had been “a lot of interest”.

She added: “We've had several calls and people have said they are going to send cheques in.

“It's obviously something that people want to do and feel strongly about.”

Steve Wright, 48, of London Road, Ipswich, has been charged with the murders of Gemma Adams, Tania Nicol, Anneli Alderton, Paula Clennell and Annette Nicholls.

He has been remanded in custody until January 2, when he will appear before Ipswich Crown Court.

To donate to the Gemma's Gift Appeal, call 01473 324847.

Phones will be manned from 9am to 5pm until Friday, from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday, and at the same time on each following weekday.

Messages can be left out of these hours and all calls will be returned. To donate securely online, visit the website at www.justgiving.com/gemmasgift

You can also make a secure donation by logging onto the East Anglian Daily Times website - www.eadt.co.uk - and following the necessary links.

And you can also donate via post by sending a cheque (payable to EACH) to: East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), 6 Walker Close, Ipswich, IP3 8LY.

Donate online to the Gemma's Gift fund