A HUSBAND has denied murdering his wife and young mother-of-two after she was found by police with serious head injuries.

Simone Grainger was pronounced dead at her home on Windsor Way in Calcot on November 4 and her husband Steven was charged with her murder.

A fundraising page, which was started to raise money for her two children, has raised more than £36,000 and floral tributes were left at the home where she died.

Steven Grainger, of Hatford Road, Reading, appeared at Reading Crown Court on Thursday and denied one count of murder.

A pre-trial review has been set for March 27, with his trial due to take place on April 30.

Grainger, 32, was charged later the same month and he has been remanded in custody.

Reading Chronicle:

Her cousin, Karima Dernawi, started the fundraising page and set an initial target of £10,000.

She said: "As surreal and painful as it is to have to write these words, it is now our family duty to turn our full attention to the two beautiful children left behind and caught up in this total tragedy.

"The support and love we have received from Simone's close friends, colleagues and the wider community has been amazing, we are truly warmed by the love and sympathy you have shown.

"We have already received various donations for which we are so grateful with many more asking how to donate.

"Although we are a family lost in grief and in the depths of our deepest despair, we must now do all we can to help secure the future for the children.

"Your continued support is gratefully received by all the family."