Bin lorry tragedy: Crowdfunder set up to give girl, 11, 'best possible send-off'
'Elizabeth was a bright, friendly, kind and caring soul...'
Last updated 9th Feb 2024
Tributes are pouring in for an 11-year-old girl, who died a week after being involved in a collision with a bin lorry, in the Borders.
Elizabeth Bell, from East Gordon in Berwickshire, is being described as "a bright, friendly, kind and caring soul".
It's understood she had been waiting for transport to school in Earlston when tragedy struck on the A6105, shortly after 8am, on Wednesday last week.
Now the two communities are uniting to give Elizabeth "the best possible send-off".
A GoFundMe page has been set up, and had already reached more than double its £1,000 target within hours of going live.
It has been shared by Gordon Primary School Parent Council and Earlston Community Council.
Elizabeth's devastated classmates and teachers have now paid tribute to her, describing her as a "caring soul". They said: "Following the tragic loss of our lovely Elizabeth, our school communities are keen to support her family in giving her the best possible send off.
"Elizabeth was a bright, friendly, kind and caring soul who was a valued member of Gordon and Earlston Primary Schools and will be dearly missed."
Many people have taken to social media to offer words of comfort to Elizabeth's family in recent days. One said: "Will miss your beautiful face... heaven has certainly gained another Angel ❤️"
Kevin Wilson, Headteacher at Earlston Primary School, added: "Following the tragic news regarding Elizabeth, we have received lots of messages of support and condolences for the parents. The suggestion made this week was for there to be a GoFundMe page created to support Elizabeth’s parents during this challenging time, so that they can give her the best possible send off."
READ MORE: Hawick Flood Protection Scheme reaches new landmark
Yesterday we reported parents' concerns that children are having to stand at the side of the road - which runs between Earlston and Berwick - for school transport. The A6105 has a 60mph speed limit here and there's no pavement in many places along the route either.
Local MSP Rachael Hamilton has written to Police Scotland for support to have that reduced - although there's no indication that speed was a factor on this occasion.
Police say investigations are ongoing and they're asking anyone they've not already spoken, to who may be able to help, to contact them.
READ MORE: Cannabis cultivation unearthed in Berwickshire
Local authority chief executive David Robertson said: “On behalf of Scottish Borders Council, I would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences following the tragic death of Elizabeth following a road traffic collision.
“Our thoughts are with her family, friends and neighbours at this time.
“The Council is cooperating fully with ongoing investigations into the circumstances of this tragic incident. We are providing support to staff involved and support is also in place for pupils and staff at relevant schools.
“As police enquiries are ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this time.”
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video report...
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/