Locals raise funds for tragic Polish woman

10:22am Thursday 15th May 2008

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LOCAL people are raising funds for the Polish family of a young woman murdered in Newport on Tuesday.

Alex Kaczmarska, 27, originally from Poland, was found dead at her home on Dewstow Road, Lliswerry shortly before 3am on Tuesday - the day after her birthday.

Police launched a murder inquiry and have arrested a 25-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman.

Now former workmates of Ms Kaczmarska are raising money to send back to her family in Poland.

The young Polish woman had worked at the Pick Up and Press laundrette on Cardiff Road, Maesglas, since January.

Owner Susan Hughes told the Argus she and her staff closed the shop on Tuesday, after hearing of her death.

Now her grieving colleagues have started a collection in her memory. They hope to send the collection, along with Ms Kaczmarska's outstanding wages to her Polish relatives, to help meet any expenses caused by this unexpected tragedy.

Mrs Hughes said of Ms Kaczmarska: "She was just such a lovely girl.

"She was one of those rare people who never says anything horrible about anyone and never moans about anything.

"The simple things in life, which we all take for granted, would make her so happy. She would come in here so excited, just because it was a beautiful day.

"All the customers loved her and she spoke perfect English. She was really beautiful inside and out."

She said Ms Kaczmarska had a Rottweiler puppy called Morris who was her pride and joy.

She said: "He was her baby; she loved him so much."

But it is thought that apart from an identical twin sister, she had no other family in the country.

Mrs Hughes said the staff had spent the last afternoon before she died celebrating her birthday.

She said: "We had got her cards and some flowers and we spent the day laughing."

The next day, they found a note saying she was leaving for the day and describing what a lovely birthday she was having.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the fund in memory of Ms Kaczmarska can do so at the Pick Up and Press on Cardiff Road, Maesglas.