Over £250,000 has been raised for an 11-year-old girl who tragically lost her parents and two younger sisters in a devastating crash.
Shane Roller, his partner Shannen Morgan, and their daughters Rubie, aged nine, and Lillie, aged four, were killed when their Ford Focus collided with a motorbike on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley on Sunday.
The couple’s 11-year-old daughter was not with them at the time of the accident.
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A GoFundMe campaign launched by Paul Hepple describes how the young girl lost “her whole world in an instant.” The fundraiser has seen over 14,000 donations aimed at providing the surviving daughter with a stable and loving environment for her to heal and grow.
In a recent update, Mr. Hepple, a close friend of the family from Barnsley, shared that the 11-year-old girl was best friends with his stepdaughter. The funds will be managed by the girl’s aunt, who will become her new guardian.
Mr. Hepple emphasized that the aunt is a loving and capable guardian, ready to provide the support the young girl needs. The donations will cover the girl’s living expenses, education, and any necessary counseling, with some potentially being used for funeral costs, depending on the family’s wishes.
Mr. Hepple expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming love and support from the community. He shared that the family had been watching one of their daughters play football on Saturday, the day before the tragic accident.
Paul Gorner from Junior Tykes FC, where the family had connections, mentioned the shock and sorrow felt by everyone at the club. They are planning to arrange a match or tournament to raise additional funds for the girl.
On Monday night, further donations were collected during a match at Athersley Recreation FC. Paul Goodlad, affiliated with the club, noted the profound impact on the community, particularly as Shannen’s brother is involved with the club. Goodlad recounted the emotional moment when Shannen’s brother, present during the donations, broke down. He affirmed the community’s commitment to supporting the grieving family.
The accident occurred between Staincross and Newmillerdam at around 15:55 BST, leading to a road closure between Shaw Lane and Warren Lane. The man and woman on the motorbike also lost their lives at the scene, though West Yorkshire Police have not yet released their names.
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