The family of a Braintree woman left badly injured in the Tunisian terror attacks have launched a fund to help her rebuild her life.

Kirsty Murray, 25, and her fiance Radley Ruszkiewicz, 29, also of Braintree, were by the pool at the Imperial Marhaba hotel in the resort of Sousse when Islamic State fanatics opened fire on June 26.

The couple are now being treated in a hospital in the UK and will not be able to work for several months.

On Monday, Kirsty's older sister Stacey, 27, launched an online fundraising campaign with a heartfelt plea for help.

She said: “We can only imagine the horror they experienced that day as they both thought they were to lose their life as well as each other. “The road ahead will be long and present many obstacles but together, along with the help of their families they can make it.”

Kirsty and Radley were both injured by a grenade but Kirsty was then shot five times at close range in the arms and legs.

The nursery nurse and her partner of seven years were on the first day of their holiday when the gunman struck.

Miss Murray lost six pints of blood and spent three days in intensive care after being rescued by a stranger and driven to hospital.

She believes she was shot by a second gunman acting with 23-year-old Seifeddine Rezgui, who was later killed by police.

The attack killed 38 people, including 30 Britons.

Stacey added: “The support of well wishers has been instrumental in them both coming this far.

“We decided to set up this fund to ensure that the both of them whilst recovering, can concentrate on getting better, instead of worrying about the financial burden that not being able to work would bring.

“If you could donate just a small amount to ease this burden, whilst they are being treated in hospital then we all would be incredibly grateful and Kirsty and Radley can both continue on their journey to recovery.”

Stacey said the fundraising page, with a target of £10,000, would deposit money straight into her sister’s account.

To donate, visit gofundme.com/z6p738.