A funeral is to be held for the sisters near Reading on Saturday

Stuart Horgan, 39, killed himself after shooting wife Vicky, 27, and her sister Emma Walton, 25, at a family barbecue in Highmoor Cross, Oxfordshire in June.

Neighbours have since raised thousands for Ms Horgan's two daughters, aged three and seven, who saw her murder.

A family statement on Thursday said the fundraising - including a sponsored cycle ride to Germany - meant a lot.

A funeral for Ms Horgan, from Highmoor Cross, and Ms Walton, from Reading, Berkshire, is being held on Saturday at St John the Baptist Church in Kidmore, near Reading.

All these acts of kindness have meant a great deal to the family Family statement

The family statement said: "The family of Jade and Bobbie, Vicky's children, would like to take this opportunity of thanking all the residents of Highmoor, surrounding areas and those who do not live in the local community for their generosity in giving to the children's fund.

"They would also like to thank all those who were so generous in the laying of flowers and sending cards in memory of Vicky and Emma.

"All these contributions and acts of kindness have meant a great deal to the family and have been gratefully received."

The sisters' mother, Jacqueline, 55, was also critically injured in the shooting on 6 June.

Mr Horgan used a single-barrelled shotgun for the attack, which needed to be reloaded after every shot.

Two weeks later he was found dead in his cell on remand at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire after slashing his wrists with a dismantled disposable razor.

Police later revealed Mr Horgan had a history of domestic violence, including harassment of his wife and one of her neighbours.

Speaking shortly after the tragedy, her father Simon Walton said: "Vicky was a fun-loving and vibrant person who lived for her two young children.

"Emma was very independent and had a good circle of friends who will miss her deeply."