Fundraiser for child orphaned by Wakefield crash totals over £400,000
Poppie Roller was left without a family after they were killed on the A61
A fundraiser for a child who was left orphaned following a crash on the A61 has raised over £400,000.
Poppie Roller had been staying at a friend's house when her family were killed in a collision involving a motorbike between Barnsley and Wakefield on July 21st.
In total, Poppie's parents and two sisters were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services, as well as the couple riding the motorbike.
Following the crash, Paul Hepple - the stepfather for Poppie's friend - set up an online fundraiser to help support her as an orphan.
Initially, he had hoped for just £3,000 that would help go towards living expenses, education and therapy.
However, since then the target has been smashed - with a total of £408,207 being raised for Poppie's expenses.
The fundraiser has now closed, with Hepple posting an update thanking everyone for donating what they could.
"Thanks to your incredible generosity, an astonishing £408,207 has been raised. The initial target was £3,000 to help with Poppie’s immediate needs, and I never could have imagined the outpouring of love and support that followed," he wrote.
"There have been 22.5 thousand donations from people all over the world. Donations are now closed, as the amount raised is far beyond what anyone could have expected. It’s truly remarkable."
Hepple added that Poppie is continuing to do well "under the circumstances", having returned to school and is slowly getting back to normal.
Poppie has also received support from road safety charity Brake from Huddersfield, who have helped to provide her and her aunt with the legal instruments to support them.
Finishing off the update, Hepple said: "Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your continued kindness, patience, and support. Your generosity has not only secured Poppie’s future but has also brought light during a very dark time."