The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
‘Murdered’ midwife fundraiser smashes target in just 24 hours
A fundraising appeal to help pay for the funeral of a much-loved hospital midwife has topped its £10,000 target.
The body of Samantha Eastwood was found in a rural area near Caverswall, Staffordshire, on Saturday following an intensive police search eight days after her disappearance.
Michael Stirling, 32, appeared before magistrates on Monday charged with her murder.
Just over 24 hours after starting, the gofundme appeal went through its target as it continued to be swelled by donations from the many hundreds of people touched by her death.
Beth Taylor, who launched the site, said: “Samantha was a lovely young woman who helped to bring so many lives into this world.
“She had a bright future ahead of her and sadly this was taken away far too soon.”
Former Keele University student Miss Eastwood, 28, from Baddeley Green in Stokeon-Trent, worked at the Royal Stoke Hospital.
Staff there described her as a “much-loved and valued” colleague.
Ms Taylor added: “Samantha’s story has been followed by midwives and NHS workers worldwide.
“They have been touched by the kind words from mothers Samantha had cared for and colleagues who have worked alongside her.
“Samantha has been described as a warm, gentle, kind woman and will be remembered for her amazing efforts as a midwife and will be truly missed by many.
“Samantha’s extended NHS family would like to support her mother Carole and sister Gemma in their time of grief by contributing to Samantha’s funeral costs and to ensure one of our shining stars has the send-off she deserves.
“Rest in peace, Samantha.”