GoFundMe for 11-year-old girl who lost her entire family in horrific car crash exceeds £200,000
A GoFundMe for a young girl who tragically lost her family in a car crash has exceeded £200,000.
Poppie Morgan-Roller lost her parents and her two sisters in a horrific accident between her family's car and a motorcycle on the A61 near Wakefield, UK, on 21 July.
Poppie's family were heading out for a walk when the crash occurred, but the 11-year-old was playing at a friend's house after she didn't want to join them.
She was with family friend Paul Hepple, 37, and his family as he agreed to look after Poppie for the day, and were about to have Sunday dinner when the tragic news came through over a phone call.
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Paul quickly started a GoFundMe to cover all aspects of Poppie's life, from living expenses to education, as well as counselling and long-term wellbeing following the traumatic event.
At the time of writing, almost 14,000 people have donated over £240,000 in just a couple of days.
Paul also revealed that Poppie's aunt will become her new legal guardian.
On the GoFundMe page, he explained: "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 counseling 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."
Tributes poured in for Poppie's family, with one from her late sisters' school, Athersley North primary school in Barnsley, as teachers said they were 'a delight to teach'. The school also praised the girls for their good character and creativity, sending their 'heartfelt thoughts' to their sister, Poppie.
Paul previously told the media: "Her mum actually contacted us and asked if we could watch Poppie because she didn’t want to go on the walk that they went on.
"So we were watching Poppie as she’s best mates with our daughter. She was with our daughter having fun. And on their way home, that’s when the accident happened.
"We were having Sunday dinner as a family, and Poppie’s auntie was with us and obviously, Poppie was as well. And then she got a phone call and she ended up leaving really quickly to go and see what happened."
In his own words, Poppie is a 'lovely bubbly' girl, whose family was well-liked by the neighbourhood.
"They were always chatty and turned up to parties all the time," Paul added.
Alan Travis, the Superintendent of Wakefield District Police, stated: "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."
As the investigation continues, the A61 is expected to remain closed between Shaw Lane and Warren Lane.
If you wish to donate to the GoFundMe, you can do so here.
LADbible has contacted West Yorkshire police for further updates.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Joshua Nair