Crowdfunding campaigns launched in memory of two East Yorkshire teenagers killed in a crash in the early hours of New Year’s Day have raised almost £24,000.
Family and friends of William Herbert, 16, and Olly Mitchell, 18, have supported the GoFundMe appeals in their hundreds, way surpassing the original targets that had been set for each fundraiser. Katherine Howard, the organiser of William’s appeal, commented: “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated to honour William’s memory and for all the support shown during this heart-breaking time.
“Your kindness and generosity have been a tremendous comfort, and shows how deeply William was loved. Thank you for standing with us and keeping William’s memory alive in your hearts.
“Thank you on behalf of William’s friends and thank you on behalf of Jacky and Dave H.” The appeal target was £10,000; almost 700 separate donations had already driven the total to £14,073, at the time of publication.
The GoFundMe page said: “On New Year’s Day, the world lost a bright young soul. William Herbert, just 16 years old, was tragically taken from us in a car accident. A beloved son, and friend to many, he touched the lives of everyone who knew him with his kind heart, infectious laughter, and unwavering spirit.
“William was surrounded by a large circle of friends who loved him dearly, and his family meant the world to him. This sudden loss has left an unfillable hole in all of our hearts. We are coming together to support his family through this unimaginably difficult time.
“We hope to raise funds to cover funeral expenses and help ease the burden on his loved ones. Every donation, no matter the size, is a step towards showing them how much William meant to all of us and how deeply he will be missed.
“Thank you for your love and support during this heart-breaking time. Rest in peace, William. You will never be forgotten.”
Similarly, a GoFundMe page has been set up in tribute to Olly, by his aunt Joanna Wildon. In her introduction to the appeal, she said: “On New Year’s Day we lost our cheeky, Yorkshire pudding-loving, high viz-wearing nephew Olly in a tragic accident.
“He was a beloved son to Dave and Karen, brother to Will and Peter, grandson, cousin, nephew, friend and a much-loved member of a large farming community. Our hearts are broken and we will all miss his mischievous smile and his wicked sense of humour.
“Having just turned 18, Olly’s future was looking bright with a new job that he loved and a great social circle including a personal life that was bringing visible happiness that was a joy to see. We are offering this page for anyone that would like to donate any amount they feel able as an alternative to flowers.
“Our hope is to use any funds raised to create something in the future to honour the memory of Olly, creating a lasting legacy on his behalf. We’d like to thank everyone for the kind messages of support in the last few days.
“It has been a comfort to all of the family. Rest in Peace Olly. We will miss you always, love Auntie Jo and Auntie Lisa”.
The £2k target has been smashed and stands at £9,312, with nearly 350 people having made a donation.
William, of Howden, and Olly, of Ellerton, were in a Volkswagen Golf travelling away from the village of Preston when it was in collision with a black Vauxhall Grandland, travelling towards Preston, in Staithes Road, at about 1.20am on January 1. Emergency services attended; however, sadly William died at the scene, and Olly later died in hospital from his injuries.
Two other passengers in the Golf, a 16-year-old and 17-year-old, suffered critical and serious injuries respectively and remain in hospital. A passenger of the Grandland, a 62 year-old man, was taken to hospital for injuries, said to be no longer life threatening and the driver, a 34-year-old woman, sustained serious injuries to her arm. Two other passengers suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the Volkswagen Golf, a 17-year-old boy, was arrested on January 1 on suspicion of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released on bail while the investigation continues.
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