BALLOONS have been released high over Corfe Castle to mark what would have been murdered Samantha Henderson's 26th birthday.

The disappearance and death of the popular mum-of-four sent shock waves through the village at the beginning of this year.

Last month her partner, Dominic Isom, was sentenced to a minimum term of 17 years in prison after jurors found him guilty of Samantha’s murder.

Her friends have since formed Stand and Matter, a non-profit organisation bidding to give her young children financial and emotional support in the wake of losing their mum.

And this afternoon a large group spent hours hiking to a point overlooking Purbeck. Once at the top each person released a balloon attached with a personal message.

Samantha’s mother, Janelle, told the Daily Echo she had been moved by the support.

“The people who are here today are the ones that will be with me and support me for the rest of my life,” she said. “They have all been so good at helping me with everything.”

She said she has yet to come to terms with Samantha’s death, adding: “It hasn’t hit me yet. I have had to suppress my feelings in order to carry on. There has been so much to fight for since she died. Everything from clearing the house to her body not being released and at first her body not being found.

“We had the court case, we’ve had birthdays. It’s just been a rollercoaster. I haven’t come to terms with it yet and I don’t think I would have been walking up this hill if I had.”

The balloons released, which were biodegradable to reduce any environmental impact, each raised £2 for Stand and Matter.

Once Stand and Matter has helped Samantha’s children, it is hoped it will go on to assist others who have faced similar tragedies. For more information visit standandmatter.org