Murder pair's fund raises £50,000

The fund was launched at the couple's funeral

A fund set up in memory of a couple who were shot on their Caribbean honeymoon has reached its first target six months ahead of schedule.

Launched in September, the Mullany Fund has raised £50,000.

It was established to provide financial support to medical and physiotherapy students in the UK.

Two men have been charged in Antigua with murdering Catherine and Ben Mullany, both 31 and from Pontardawe in the Swansea Valley in July 2008.

Mrs Mullany was a doctor and her husband a trainee physiotherapist.

Two men - Avie Howell, 18, and Kaniel Martin, 21, have been remanded in custody on the holiday island charged with their murder.

Family friend Bethan Palfrey, who is helping with the fund, said: "It's been such a trying time for us all so to achieve this in six months is overwhelming."

She said the family and friends of the couple were "truly grateful" for the support given to the fund.

Fundraising events have ranged from music recitals to sponsored walks.

Ms Palfrey added: "People have been very supportive and generous."

She said fundraising would continue as the aim was to provide support for students at every school of medicine and physiotherapy in the UK.

"We will keep going and I think we will get there," she added.