THE mother of murdered York backpacker Caroline Stuttle has married the man who helped her through the tragedy.

Marjorie Stuttle wed her "soulmate" David Marks at a private ceremony at in Pocklington, surrounded by her closest family and friends.

Her daughter, from Huntington Road, York, a former York College student, was murdered while on a gap year backpacking trip, in Bundaberg, Australia.

Marjorie, with the support of her new husband, has since set up Caroline's Rainbow Foundation to help other backpackers abroad.

By a twist of fate, the couple had their first date on the day Caroline was murdered, and Marjorie's final text message from her daughter read: "Have a nice time with David".

Marjorie told the Evening Press today: "Caroline would really have approved of David.

"It was a beautiful day and thankfully the sun came out for the photos."

The couple, who spent two weeks in Italy on their honeymoon, are planning a blessing service later in the year.

Updated: 10:37 Monday, July 12, 2004