A DEVASTATING crash which killed four adults and two children rocked the nation to its core - and more than £380,000 has been raised to support an 11-year-old Barnsley girl who has been left without her mum and dad.
Police rushed to the A61 Barnsley Road between Wakefield and Barnsley at 3.54pm on Sunday following reports that a motorcycle and Ford Focus had collided.
Involved in the collision were 33-year-old Shane Roller, 30-year-old Shannen Morgan and two of their children - nine-year-old Rubie and four-year-old Lillie.
It left the family’s 11-year-old daughter Poppie without her mum, dad and sisters.
The motorcyclist and pillion passenger who died in the collision have been named as husband and wife Christopher Barton, aged 56, and 48-year-old Janine Barton.
They had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
Paying tribute to his parents, they were described by their son as ‘a loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before anyone else’.
Shane’s father, Graham, paid tribute to his family on Facebook.
He said: “On Sunday we lost part of our family, Shane Roller, Shannen Morgan and two beautiful little granddaughters in a terrible car accident.
“Shane wasn’t just a son but an amazing father and he had a heart of gold.
“Shannen, our daughter-in-law, was funny and was also an amazing mum and they thought the world of their little family.
“They will be very much missed by everyone that knew them, but they will always be in our hearts and thoughts forever.
“Fly high and stay safe together.
“Love you more than words can say.”
Clare Storr and Kirsty Wordsworth, co-headteachers of Athersley North Primary School, where the two girls who died were pupils, said: “It is with the deepest sadness that we address the heartbreaking news about Rubie, Lillie and their parents.
“So many people in our communities will feel this devastating, tragic loss.
“Rubie was a kind, happy, and caring girl with a lovely personality.
“She always worked really hard and was well-liked by her friends.
“She was a fantastic role model for her peers and aspired to be a teacher.
“Lillie was a bright, bubbly and happy little girl who was a popular member of her class.
“She was creative and very determined.
“Just like her big sister, she too aspired to be a teacher.”
Poppie has been staying with family friend Paul Hepple following the heartbreaking incident.
He set up a fundraiser for the 11-year-old which has already raised more than £380,000 thanks to about 21,000 separate donors.
Paul said: “Poppie is a bright and resilient young girl, known for her infectious smile and kind heart.
“Despite her unimaginable loss, she shows incredible strength every day.
“She loves football and playing outdoors.
“Poppie is also a huge Taylor Swift fan and finds comfort in her music.
“I want to assure you that every penny will go directly to Poppie’s new guardian, her auntie.
“Poppie will be staying and living with her auntie, who is an amazing, loving, and capable guardian.
“She will be entirely responsible for managing the donations, ensuring that all funds are used for Poppie’s well-being, including her living expenses, education, and any counselling she may need.
“Additionally, some of the funds may be used for the funeral expenses for Poppie’s family if they choose to.”
More than 200 people visited St Helen’s Church in Athersley on Tuesday to light a candle in their memory, followed by a requiem service on Wednesday for people to pay their respects to all six of the people who have died.
Father Peter Needham, who organised the service, told the Chronicle: “It wasn’t until Monday when the names were released that it became clear the family were from Athersley.
“We began thinking about how, as a church, we could best help as it affects the whole community.
“On Tuesday we opened the church from 9am until 9pm for people to light a candle - over 200 people turned up to say a prayer and pay their respects.
“On Wednesday, we normally have a mass and it seemed appropriate that we made it a requiem service.
“We probably had around 50 people turn up - school teachers and the grandma of the children.”
Fr Peter added that the whole community is grieving for the families - not just those that knew them.
“It’s a situation where everybody is going frantic,” he said.
“This was an opportunity for people to be still and for them to have a break - that was the purpose of it and I think that was fulfilled.
“The church is a part of the community and everyone is rallying around.
“It’s that communal love that’s being shown.
“You don’t need to know the family to feel the grief.”
Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis has also paid his respects to the families affected and he has raised the case with the government.
He told the Chronicle: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic road traffic collision that occurred on Sunday, resulting in the loss of six lives, including two young children.
“My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those who have been affected by this devastating incident.
“I would also like to extend my gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response and dedication in the face of such a harrowing incident.
“It is heartening to see that our community has already rallied to support the family and my office and I will assist in whatever way we can.
“I have already raised this tragic case with the Secretary of State for Transport and urged her to review the need for a government ‘Road Safety Strategy’.
“I would now urge everyone to respect the privacy of the families involved and to give them the space they need during this incredibly difficult time.”
Police officers arrested a man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but he was released on bail yesterday.
Detective Sergeant Steven Suggitt said: “I would like to appeal for anyone who may have seen this grey Porsche 911 being driven on the roads around the south of Wakefield or north of Barnsley to please contact us.
“I would also urge anyone who has dash-cam, doorbell or CCTV footage of this car, that may assist our investigation, to please contact us.”
