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Karen Buckley's parents: 'We're still in shock, it sometimes feels like all of this isn’t real'

Karen Buckley’s parents have expressed thanks for the support they received over recent weeks.

THE FAMILY OF student Karen Buckley, who was found dead in Scotland in April, have thanked the public for their support over recent weeks.

The 24 year old, originally from Cork, disappeared while on a night out with friends in Glasgow.

She was living there while studying occupational therapy.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, the woman’s parents said “it’s hard to believe or understand” what happened to their daughter.

“We are extremely upset that Karen will never have the chance to live out her life, travel more, and pursue her career in occupational therapy.”

That maybe someday she could have a family of her own and enjoy a happy and eventful life, which is what she would have wanted. We are still in shock and disbelief and it sometimes feels like all of this isn’t real.

They said they have been greatly comforted by the outpouring of support they received, from vigils held in Scotland to the professionalism of the police involved in the investigation.

“We would like to thank everybody who helped us in any way,” her father, John Buckley, told the paper, “People have been very good to us and it means an awful lot.”

We are very grateful for all the support and messages of sympathy we have received from so many people from all over Ireland and Scotland. People have even written to us from America and South Africa.

A campaign to raise money to support the family during their ordeal eventually reached €70,000 and will now be donated to charity.

Alexander Pacteau (21) has been charged with the Irish student’s murder.

Read: Glasgow police have located the woman they sought as a potential witness in the Karen Buckley inquiry >