Major update about girl, 11, orphaned after 'entire family killed in A61 horror crash'

Poppie Roller was orphaned after her parents, Shannen Morgan, 30, and Shane Roller, 33, and younger sisters Lillie, four, and Rubie, nine, were all killed in the crash on July 21

An 11-year-old girl who tragically lost her entire family in a horrific crash on the A61 has bravely returned to school as a fundraiser set up to support her reached an "astonishing" total.

Poppie Roller was left orphaned on July 21 when her parents Shannen Morgan, 30, and Shane Roller, 33, along with her younger sisters Lillie, four, and Rubie, nine, were killed in the crash between Wakefield and Barnsley.

The family had been out for a Sunday stroll before their Ford Focus collided with a motorcycle at around 3.45pm. Poppie had opted not to join the walk and instead stayed with family friend, Paul Hepple, 37, in Barnsley.

The motorbike riders, husband and wife Christopher Barton, 56, and Janine Barton, 48, also tragically lost their lives in the accident. An initial hearing at Wakefield Coroner's Court revealed Mr Barton had been overtaking another vehicle when he collided 'head on' with the family's car.

With the police investigation still ongoing, an inquest has been postponed to a future date yet to be determined. A driver of an unrelated car was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but was later released on bail.

Following the tragic incident, Mr Hepple started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to ensure Poppie "has a stable, loving environment where she can heal and grow". The fund has now been closed after reaching an "astonishing" £408k - significantly more than the £3,000 original target.

In an emotional update, Mr Hepple revealed that his recent "silence" was due to him trying to "keep things low-key while the family tries to grieve" and announced that fundraising has been halted, YorkshireLive reports. He expressed his gratitude: "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 elaborated on the donations, saying, "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."

He assured the public: "I want to mention that not a single penny of the funds has been touched yet. GoFundMe is currently awaiting the transfer instructions, and after careful consideration, it has been decided that every single penny will go into a trust fund for Poppie, this ensures that your incredible generosity will continue to support her long into the future. Her aunt Faye has been added as the beneficiary to handle the funds, and she will transfer them to the trust fund."

Additionally, he shared current news about Poppie: "Poppie is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. She has bravely returned to school and, although she was nervous at first, she is slowly settling in."

"She is receiving therapy at school, which is helping her navigate her loss. Poppie and her Aunt, Faye, have also received invaluable support from Brake, the road safety charity, who have been instrumental in helping them manage the legal side of things and providing guidance."

"Faye would like to thank Compass Be, who have supported Poppie and the wider community with help and support to deal with the loss of Poppie's sisters in local schools. As well as the FLO who have made many referrals to Winston's wish, Cruse, Brake and many other support networks that they can both now access."

"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."