GoFundMe for 11-year-old girl orphaned when she lost her parents and two sisters in Wakefield…

24 July 2024, 08:16

A GoFundMe for an 11-year-old girl who lost her entire family in a horrific car crash has topped £300,000 – more than 100 times its original target.

Poppie Roller was orphaned when her parents’ car burst into flames following a head-on collision with a motorbike near Wakefield.

The accident killed six people, including her parents and two younger sisters.

Her family was out for a walk at the time of the accident – and she was playing at a friend’s house.

Christopher and Janine Barton, who recently celebrated their 25th anniversary, were riding their motorbike when it crashed. The couple died at the scene.

Family friend Paul Hepple, 37, has set up a fund for the girl to help with living costs, expenses, education, counseling and long-term welfare. It raised over £300,000 in a matter of days.

Aunt Poppie will take care of her in the future.

Shane’s father Graham Roller paid tribute to his son, partner and nieces, saying they were an “amazing family”.

He wrote: “On Sunday we lost part of our family Shane Roller, Shannen Morgan and two beautiful nieces in a terrible car accident.

“Shane was not only a son but an amazing father and had a heart of gold. Shannen our daughter in law was funny and also an amazing mother and thought the world of their little family.

“They will be greatly missed by all who knew them, but will always be in our hearts and thoughts forever.

“Fly high and stay safe together. I love you more than words can say.”

In an update on the GoFundMe, Mr Hepple wrote: “Regarding donations, I want to assure you that every penny will go directly to Poppie’s new guardian, her aunt. Poppie will stay and live with her aunt, who is an amazing person, loving and capable guardian.

“She will be fully responsible for managing the donations, ensuring that all funds are used for Poppie’s welfare, including living expenses, education and any counseling she may need.

“Additionally, a portion of the funds can be used for funeral expenses for Poppie’s family, if they choose. Thank you all again for your incredible generosity and support. Your contributions make a significant difference in Poppie’s life, giving her stability. and the care he needs during this difficult time.”

The horrific accident happened near the village of Nermillerdam, between Barnsley and Wakefield.

To donate to the GoFundme page, visit this link

In an update on Tuesday, Mr Hepple said he was “deeply grateful” for the donations.

“The love and support we have received from all of you has been truly overwhelming and we are deeply grateful.”

As for donations, he assured donors that every penny would go directly to the girl’s new guardian, her aunt.

He said her aunt will ensure that all funds are used for her welfare, including living expenses, education and any counseling she may need.

In addition, part of the funds can be used for funeral expenses for the family.

“Thank you all again for your incredible generosity and support,” he added.

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Shane’s brother Callum took to social media to say he was ‘speechless’ following the horrific incident.

He wrote: “I am heartbroken. I will miss you all! It absolutely broke my heart and it absolutely broke both sides of my family.

“You all have a heart of gold and you will be missed madly!

“My heart goes out to Shannen’s family and mine! We are all in absolute shock!”

“My heart is broken into a million pieces!!!

“The GoFundMe page states that the surviving daughter ‘lost her entire world in an instant.’

He also claimed that the motorcycle was on the wrong side of the road.

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The crash between a Ford Focus and motorbike happened on the A61 between Staincross, Barnsley and Newmillerdam, Wakefield.

Emergency services received reports of the incident at 3.54pm, West Yorkshire Police said.

A man, a woman, a boy and a girl traveling in the car were pronounced dead at the scene.

Another man and a woman, the motorcyclist and the passenger behind the wheel also died in the accident.

The road has been closed between Shaw Lane and Warren Lane and is likely to remain closed for some time, police said.

Superintendent Alan Travis, of Wakefield District Police, said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of six lives.

“Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have died who we are working with to provide support at this time.”

Anyone with information has been asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101