THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised by the community in a bid to support the family of a missing mum after a body was found in a Pitsea park.

In just 24 hours, 83 separate donations have been made to a GoFundMe page set up for the family of Madison Wright, 30, raising more than £6,000.

Essex Police initially launched a missing person’s appeal on Friday, as a man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

A body was found in Wat Tyler Park the following day.

Formal identification of the body is yet to take place.

The GoFundMe was launched on Monday night by Billericay councillor David Dadds, who has known Madison since she was a child.

He said the online funding effort has been launched to help support her family and her nine-year-old son.

Mr Dadds said: “It’s about people all pulling together to fundraise and support the family, and especially her son who is nine years old.

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“A lot has been raised so far and it will benefit the family, and any donation no matter too small or large is appreciated.

“There’s been so many supportive and kind messaged which will be passed onto the family and they are so grateful for this and all the donations too.”

Posting on the online funding page, he said: “Madison was a caring, kind and gentle person. I know we all have the family of Madison in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

“Thank you for your help.”

Madison has not been seen since July 22.

Gary Bennett, 36, of Caister Drive, Pitsea, appeared in Southend Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with the murder.

He is set to appear at Basildon Crown Court today.

Wat Tyler Park and Pitsea Recycling Centre have both been shut since Saturday while officers continue their investigation.

To donate visit bit.ly/3OVsc3o.