A little girl whose entire family was wiped out in a horror crash that killed six people has been comforted by staying with her best pal since the tragedy.
The orphaned 11-year-old is now set to move in with her auntie, according to the family friend who launched a Godfundme campaign which has nearly raised an incredible £350,000. So far more than 18,000 people have donated after hearing how Poppie “lost her whole world in an instant” on Sunday.
Her dad Shane Roller, 33, mum Shannen Morgan, 30 and her sisters Lillie and Rubie, aged nine and four, were all killed in a road traffic collision. Their Ford Focus is understood to have collided with a motorbike on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield on Sunday.
Husband and wife Christopher Barton, 56, and Janine Barton, 48, were named on Tuesday as the couple on the motorbike who also died. They had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
Poppie had not gone with her family from Athersley in South Yorkshire for a family walk, after asking to stay behind to play with her best friend and have tea there. Her friend’s dad, Paul Hepple, in an update to people who had donated, said: “I’ve received several messages asking about my relationship to Poppie and how the donations will be allocated, so I wanted to provide some clarity.
“I am a close friend of Poppie’s family, and Poppie is best friends with my stepdaughter. Since the tragic incident, Poppie has been staying with us. The love and support we have received from all of you have been truly overwhelming, and we are deeply grateful.
“Regarding the donations, 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. Thank you all once again for your incredible generosity and support. Your contributions are making a significant difference in Poppie’s life, providing her with the stability and care she needs during this difficult time.”
Poppie’s grandfather, Graham Roller, described his son as an “amazing father” who “had a heart of gold.” He also said Shannen was “funny” and was an “amazing mum” who “thought the world” of her three children.
Graham said: "On Sunday we lost part of our family, Shane Roller, Shannen Morgan and two beautiful little grand daughters 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."
A pal paid tribute to her “football mum mate” Shannen and wrote on Facebook how her own daughter is “devastated” and keeps asking who is “gonna make Poppies pack lunches for school”. She said Shane was one of the “nicest” dads she’d ever met and their children as “two special little angels”.
Donations have been pouring in for Poppie with some anonymous donations of £5,000 a time. So far around 18,000 people around the world have donated.
West Yorkshire Police said on Wednesday that a man had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in custody and detectives are now hunting for anyone who saw a grey Porsche 911 in the area at the time. The force's Major Collision Enquiry Team appealed for anyone with dashcam footage or who saw the model to come forward.