Northern Ireland

Fundraising page set up for murdered journalist Lyra McKee

 Journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry on April 18
 Journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry on April 18  Journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry on April 18

Friends of murdered journalist Lyra McKee have set up a fundraising page to help cover her funeral costs.

The 29-year-old was shot dead during rioting in the Creggan in Derry last night.

Originally from north Belfast, she had recently moved to Derry to live with her partner.

A gofundme page set up to cover funeral costs and "decide on her legacy" has raised well over £10,000 in a few hours.

Lyra McKee was shot during violence in the Creggan in Derry
Lyra McKee was shot during violence in the Creggan in Derry Lyra McKee was shot during violence in the Creggan in Derry

Ms McKee's friend Michael Harris, who she worked with on the campaign to reform Northern Ireland's libel laws, established the fundraising page.

He described her as a "passionate advocate for press freedom and finding the truth".

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Mr Harris said Ms McKee was "part of a new generation of Northern Irish journalists (and young people) who had moved past sectarian identities and wanted to build a more progressive, more peaceful Northern Ireland".

"Lyra was a powerful advocate for LGBTi rights, civil liberties and human rights," he said.

President Michael D Higgins speaks to media after signing the book of condolence at Belfast City Hall in remembrance of murdered journalist Lyra McKee. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
President Michael D Higgins speaks to media after signing the book of condolence at Belfast City Hall in remembrance of murdered journalist Lyra McKee. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire President Michael D Higgins speaks to media after signing the book of condolence at Belfast City Hall in remembrance of murdered journalist Lyra McKee. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire

He added: "You don't expect journalists to be killed anywhere. For it to happen to a friend, in a (troubled) democracy, is just unbelievable. I feel so sad for Lyra's family. She was an incredible person and I will really miss her."

Donations can be made on www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-lyra-mckee

A series of vigils are taking place in Derry, Belfast and Dublin today.

READ MORE:

  • Journalist Lyra McKee (29) shot dead during Derry rioting
  • 'How dare they' - priest who anointed Lyra McKee hits out at killers?