WITHAM MP Priti Patel has backed a Chronicle campaign to help a mother get justice for her eldest son, who was murdered in Germany.

The Witham MP is urging residents from across Essex to dig deep and help Marie Heath and her two children attend the trial of four people accused of killing her son Lee.

The eight-week trial in Frankfurt of four nightclub bouncers could bankrupt the family as they struggle to pay for the hotels and 50 flights needed to attend a court that sits only twice a week.

Ms Patel, who has raised the case with the Prime Minister, said: "I fully endorse the campaign run by the Essex Chronicle to raise funds to help the Heath family and hope that people can dig deep to show their support.

"Marie and her family have suffered a horrendous ordeal following Lee's tragic death and need all the help and support possible to get them through the trial."

She said that Prime Minister David Cameron was "fully aware" of Marie's predicament and she would continue to press both the Justice Secretary and Europe Minister for support.

The Chronicle last week began the search for benefactors by highlighting Marie's fight for justice on the front page of our Braintree and Witham edition.

This week we are extending the search and asking our 100,000 readers to help Marie raise funds for her eight-week ordeal. Speaking after the campaign's launch, the 52-year-old Silver End resident said: "I feel bad asking but you do everything for your kids – they need to see justice for Lee.

"I feel embarrassed that I have to ask. I should be worrying about my children and the trial, not money."

"How could I sit at home if I knew the trial was going on?" she said.

Lee lived in Frankfurt with his German girlfriend for 18 months prior to his murder. According to city prosecutors, Lee was attending U60311 – a nightclub located in an old subway tunnel – when he was set upon by four bouncers.

He was thrown out unconscious on to the street and died two days later in hospital. The trial of the four men starts March 27.

To help, contact the Essex Chronicle on 01245 603 360 or e-mail newsdesk@essexchronicle.co.uk