AN appeal to bring home the body of a Witney backpacker found dead in Guatemala has been launched. 

Catherine Shaw, who her family said 'died doing what she loved', was found on Monday in undergrowth near a mountain overlook, in the town of San Juan La Laguna, on the shores of Lake Atitlan.

READ AGAIN: Post-mortem reveals cause of death

Already, nearly £10,000 has been raised to bring the 23-year-old's remains home after the tragic death. The target is £12,000.

In a statement on the appeal page, organisers the Lucie Blackman Trust said it was 'fundraising to help Catherine Shaw's family bring her home'.

It continued: "The money raised will assist in covering costs directly connected to the search for Catherine and repatriating her back to England. 

"15 per cent of all funds raised will be used by the Lucie Blackman Trust to support families in similar situations as well as any money left over."

READ MORE: Family pay tribute and thank Trust

A post mortem has revealed that she died from a traumatic brain injury. 

The Trust, which has been assistingthe family, issued a statement urging people not to speculate about her death and saying it may have been a "tragic accident" not involving foul play.

Witney reacts to news of Catherine Shaw

It added that Ms Shaw had been fasting for days before her disappearance and "disposing of possessions, including clothing".

Oxford Mail: The road leading to Eco-Hotel Mayachik', where Ms Shaw was last seen. Pic: Google MapsThe road leading to Eco-Hotel Mayachik', where Ms Shaw was last seen. Pic: Google Maps

"She was very much a nature lover and adored sunrises, so it seems quite conceivable that she went up the mountain to greet the sunrise, shedding clothing as she went, and due to her lack of intake of food and fluid may have passed out or fallen, causing the wounds to her body," the statement added, cautioning that not all the facts were known and nothing could be ruled out.

Parents Ann and Tarquin Shaw have said: "Catherine just loved mountains and sunrises. She died doing what she loved."