A MEMORIAL fund set up in honour of tragic special constable Samantha Derbyshire has rocketed past its original target.

Miss Derbyshire, aged 23, from Horwich, died in an accident on the M61 motorway on Monday morning and her friends ant to remember her by raising funds to breed a guide dog for the blind.

They say Miss Derbyshire had a love of dogs and raising the £3,100 needed to fund a guide dog would be a fitting tribute to their friend.

But since setting up a justgiving page this week, donations have poured in and just four days after her death stood at £4,500.

One anonymous donor even contributed £200.

Pal Amy Horrocks said she and other friends of Miss Derbyshire have been overwhelmed with the response.

She said: “It is unbelievable to see the comments people are leaving about Sam, even those who have only met her once or twice.

“It just shows the effect she has had on people — everyone loved her.”

An update on the fundraising page yesterday explained that any extra money raised will continue to help guide dogs.

It states: "Thank you to everyone who helped smash the target within 24 hours! It really does mean a lot, as do the kind heartfelt messages to Sam's family and friends!

"If we get to £5000 it will see the puppy through the important puppy walking days."

justgiving.com/fundraising/Sam-derbyshireSC40938