A fundraising foundation set up in memory of Molly McLaren to support people with eating disorders has received more than £10,000 in donations.

Family and friends of Molly set up The Molly McLaren Foundation to help others who battled against bulimia with a view to raising £23,000.

Molly, 23, from Cobham, died after an attack at the Chatham Dockside Outlet shopping centre car park on Thursday, June 29. Joshua Stimpson, of High Street, Wouldham, has since appeared in court charged with her murder and has been remanded in custody.

Posting on social media, those behind the fundraising effort said: “We have come together to create a meaningful charity in honour of Molly’s life. Please join us in donating and supporting this cause close to all of our hearts.

“We would like to channel the support we have already received to support Molly’s commitment to helping those around her.

"Her ongoing battle with her eating disorder and her drive to help others is the focus of our mission.

“Just the evening before Molly was taken from us, she was celebrating with her friends on her success of enrolling on a personal training course which would set her up for the lifelong commitment in health and well-being which was an extension of her current degree of study.

"This perfectly demonstrates Molly’s passion for promoting self-acceptance of body image, achieved through holistic wellbeing, healthy life style and positive mental attitudes. She actively promoted this through her blog and social media to inspire change and instil confidence in others.

“For those of you who were close to Molly, you will know that she battled with bulimia and subsequently anxiety, as a result of an eating disorder, for many years of her life.

"Instead of letting this beat her, she shared her own story in the hopes of empowering others around her.

"We want to create a legacy in her honour by channelling her passion and drive to create the most positive outcome possible through the creation of The Molly McLaren Foundation.

“We think that it is important to acknowledge all of the amazing, kind donations that we have already received through the Just Giving page thoughtfully already set up.

"We will be using these funds to get our foundation up and running, and any surplus money will be donated directly to our chosen charities.”

Molly was studying at the University of Kent and previously went to North Kent College in Dartford and Mayfield Grammar School in Gravesend.

You can donate at The Molly McLaren JustGiving page