THE family of a Malvern woman who was tragically killed in Australia have raised hundreds of pounds in her memory.

Michela Russo was knocked down crossing the road near her Sydney flat in October, and an inquest has been opened into her death.

The 40-year-old grew up in Malvern, attending St Joseph's RC School and Chase High School and the family - her parents Michael and Sandra - ran the Russo Coffee Lounge and Restaurant for many years.

After completing a beauty therapy diploma at Worcester Technical College she worked at the Body Conscious salon in Malvern with her sister, Luisa.

But her obsession for Australian soaps led her to become a keen traveller - Michela's world tour taking her to the United States, Hawaii, the islands of the South Pacific and New Zealand.

Michela moved to Australia in 2000, living on Bondi Beach and working at another salon called Escape. After completing a diploma in travel and tourism, she recently began working at Sydney Rowing Club. Both the club and Escape held memorials for Michaela following the announcement of her death.

Michela's funeral was held at Sacred Heart and St Catherine of Alexandria RC Church in Droitwich on November 9.

A eulogy from the family, who live in Droitwich, was read out during the service, which said: "We take such pride in the exploits she got up to – skydiving in Australia, bungee jumping in New Zealand, flying in loop the loop planes across the South Pacific, cross border skirmishes in Colombia.

"For us, there is a cruel irony in the manner of her death, but another reason to be grateful that she lived her life to the full.

"We love you Michela, we will always love you. Thank you for the happiness you brought into our lives and your sunshine smile."

As Michela was planning her next trip to Nepal to help children there, the family have been asking for donations in her name to be made to Lincs2Nepal.

The charity helps improve education and the health of families in the poorer communities of Nepal. Already more than £800 has been raised in Michela's name and it is hoped a recently built classroom will be named after her.

To make a donation visit justgiving.com/michela-Russo.