DOZENS of mourners turned out in force to retrace the footsteps of a grandmother who was walking on her daily route when she was fatally struck by a stolen HGV.
Members of the community including family and friends came together on Sunday to pay tribute to 58-year-old Jacqueline Wileman, who died on Common Road, Brierley, on September 14.
The walk followed the route that Jacqueline, of Oak Street, Grimethorpe, followed every day something she started to do after her husband Trevor, known as ‘Danny’, died three years ago from a heart attack to keep her mind elsewhere.
It started at Grimethorpe Working Men’s Club at 9am and stopped for a minute’s silence where Jacqueline died. Her brother, Johnny Wood, joined the 40-strong group and said a few words in honour of his sister.
“It was a very emotional day and everyone who took part followed the exact same route Jacqueline took every day,” he told the Chronicle.
“She was a very popular woman, not only in the Grimethorpe community where she grew up and lived but also in Cudworth, Shafton, Brierley and Carlton.
“As a family we have been overwhelmed by their support and would like to thank them, as well as everyone who took part in the walk, as what they have done has helped us at a tragic time.
“It’s been a big comfort for us and her children, Kate and Ryan.
“You know you have to get on with it when a family member dies from an illness but the circumstance of Jacqueline’s death are something we’re obviously struggling with.”
The HGV, according to police, was travelling towards Grimethorpe when an officer in a marked patrol car, travelling in the opposite direction, turned round to follow the vehicle.
It then hit Mrs Wileman and two parked cars before the vehicle careered into a new-build house on Park View which was severely damaged. No-one was injured in the property.
More than £2,000 was raised by well-wishers via a Just Giving page and the money generated from last weekend’s walk will be given to the family to help towards the cost of Jacqueline’s funeral, which took place on October 3 at St Luke’s Church, Grimethorpe.
Lifelong friend Bev Pooley added: “Everyone has come together for Jacqueline and she’s much missed.
“I still can’t take it in but I also can’t thank people enough for what they’ve done since the incident.
“We were friends since we were three so it’s devastating, but events like the one on Sunday helps both friends and family.”
David Mellor, 48, from Barnsley, has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking and failure to provide a sample; Karn Hill, 23, from Barnsley, is charged with aggravated vehicle taking; Wayne Carroll, 29, from Barnsley, is charged with aggravated vehicle taking and Alan Mawhinney, 53, from Barnsley is charged with aggravated vehicle taking and failure to provide a sample.
They have all been remanded in custody and will next appear at Sheffield Crown Court via video link on November 15.
