TRIBUTES have been paid to a much loved charity worker one year after she was murdered.
Bori Benkő, who was a member of St Leaonard’s Church in Lexden, arrived in the UK in 2016 and worked as a youth worker in Colchester before she moved to Bradford.
The 24-year-old was found at her address on November 21 of last year after being stabbed to death.
Her killer, Zbigniew Soj, was arrested shortly after and admitted in March to murdering Ms Benkő.
He was later sentenced to a minimum of 31 years in jail in June.
The congregation at St Leonard’s Church gathered to remember her and plant a cherry tree in her memory on Sunday.
Reflecting on the service, the Rev Matt Simpkins said Miss Benkő’s caring nature and commitment to the community was evident for all to see during her time in the parish.
Mr Simpkins said: “She was very much loved, very warmly remembered and the church was really keen to honour her in a way that reflected the long term influence she left here.
“We prayed for her and her family and friends; she went on to work in Bradford so there are people across the globe thinking of her.
“There was a short tribute and then everyone helped to plant the tree.
“Then we had a cup of tea and spent some time together sharing our memories of Bori.”
Following her death, Miss Benkő’s family set up the Bori Benkő Foundation for Children, which aims to support children’s development through education.
The foundation started operating in September, and has formed connections the Veresegyhazi Tree of Life Waldorf School in Hungary.
Mr Simpkins added it was evident to all who knew Miss Benkő’s just how much she wanted to help others.
“It’s very obvious when people of a lot of different ages in a community show their love for someone and speak very highly of someone,” he said.
“The extent of her commitment and caringness and her loving nature are really evident to St Leonards and across the town – that’s something we will cherish.”
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