Fundraising appeal for girl orphaned after crash near Barnsley passes £300,000

Tributes are mounting at the scene of the crash, as Ben Chapman reports

A fundraising appeal to support an 11-year-old girl left orphaned after her parents and sisters died in a crash has passed £300,000.

Shannen Morgan, 30, and 33-year-old Shane Roller were in a Ford Focus car which was involved in a collision with a motorbike on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley on Sunday.

They died at the scene, along with their daughters Rubie, nine, and Lillie, four.

A man and a woman who were on the bike also suffered fatal injuries. They have not yet been named.

Mr Roller and Ms Morgan's other daughter, 11-year-old Poppie, was with friends when the crash happened after reportedly deciding not to join the rest of the family on an outing.

Shane Roller, Shannen Morgan and their daughters Rubie and Lillie died in the incident. Credit: Family handout

More than 17,000 donations have been made to an online crowdfunding campaign launched in the wake of the crash.

The total reached £300,000 in two days.

Writing online, Paul Hepple, a family friend who set up the appeal with an initial fundraising target of £3,000, said: "We are absolutely blown away by the incredible generosity and kindness shown by all of you...This outpouring of love and compassion is truly heartwarming and is making an enormous difference in her life."He said the donations would provide the "stability, care, and resources she needs to navigate this difficult time".

Mr Hepple said "every penny" would be given to Poppie's auntie, who is now caring for her.

"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," he added.

Forensic officers at the scene on the A61 in Wakefield Credit: Danny Lawson/PA

Posting on Facebook on Tuesday, Mr Roller's father, Graham Roller, paid tribute to his son as "an amazing father [with] a heart of gold".

He added: "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."

School's tribute

The A61 remains closed following the crash, which happened at around 3.55pm on Sunday.

In a tribute, Athersley North Primary School, where Rubie and Lillie were pupils, described the incident as a "devastating, tragic loss".

The school's statement described Rubie as 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," it said.

"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.

"Both girls were an asset to the school and a delight to teach."

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