PRAYERS will be said today at churches across Orkney for murdered backpacker Karen Aim who was battered to death in New Zealand.
The 26-year-old was found on Thursday, barely conscious, and just yards from the flat she shared with two other girls. She died a short time later after suffering "extensive and severe head injuries".
Aim's father, Brian, yesterday issued a brief
statement on behalf of his family about the tragedy. He said: "We are trying to get a grip on what has happened. Karen was a very bubbly, light-hearted, outgoing person. The kind of daughter you would love to have.
"We will not be coming out to New Zealand and will try to get Karen's body returned home as soon as possible. I have been to New Zealand and love the place and so did Karen."
Last night, the Reverend Miriam Gross, minister at East Mainland Parish Church in Aim's hometown of Holm, spoke of her shock on hearing of the murder.
She said: "Everyone is speechless. If you have children and you lose a child in such a violent way, it is just like your heart has been ripped out of you.
"Karen's family are in a state of shock. They are very respected in our congregation. They are just great people and it is terrible that something like that could happen to them.
"Karen was a very cheery person, very positive. One of her friends described her as being like a 'ray of sunshine'."
Her words were echoed by the dozens of tributes left on Aim's Bebo website by both friends and people who had never met her but who wanted to express their horror at what happened.
One message said: "Your beautiful smile, bubbly personality and zest for life will live forever in our memories, along with the enjoyment we shared showing you our part of the world on your travels last year... Our hearts ache for Brian, Peggy, Alan and all those close to you... Your Ossie family."
Aim, whose web nickname was "Peedie Buddo", had spent time in both Thailand and Australia before arriving in her "spiritual home" of New Zealand last October.
The full article contains 366 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
