Handbag appeal in tribute to murdered backpacker

The project was started in memory of Grace Millane, who was murdered on the eve of her 22nd birthday

People are being urged to donate handbags containing toiletries to help women fleeing domestic abuse, in memory of a murdered backpacker.

The Love Grace x handbag appeal is being launched across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in Dorset.

It was set up by the family of Grace Millane, who was strangled while travelling in New Zealand in 2018.

The bags will be distributed to women's refuges and hospitals in the area, for those who have no possessions and are unable to return home.

The handbags will be given to female domestic abuse survivors

The scheme is looking for new or lightly-used handbags, sized 30cm (12in) and above.

In the bags, people can put basics like shampoo, conditioner and toothbrushes.

Other items such as lip balm, hairbrushes, tissues, plasters, wipes, perfume, sunglasses, make-up and jewellery can also be donated.

Bags and toiletries can be accepted separately, or items can instead be purchased from a wishlist.

Ms Millane, from Essex, was strangled at a hotel in Auckland

Ms Millane's cousin, Hannah O’Callaghan, runs the scheme and is helping to launch it across east Dorset.

She said Ms Millane had loved handbags and felt it was a fitting tribute to her.

“The handbags are made up of essentials and some luxuries to remind the women that there are people out there who care about them, and that they do matter," she added.

The bags can be handed in to drop-off points at Poole Old Town Family Hub, Christchurch Library or Kinson Community Centre in Bournemouth from 6 December.

Each bag has a scarf attached to the handles and a "Love Grace x" tag with information about Grace on the reverse

The project is being overseen by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council's community safety partnership.

Kieron Wilson, BCP Council's lead for housing and regulatory services, said the area was the first in the south of England to host drop-off points.

"Sometimes if [women] have to flee or they are in crisis they will not have much and these bags will provide them with the essentials they need," he added.

Items like sanitary products, sharps, alcohol, money and food should not be donated.