Tributes after mother and children die in crash

Shirley Anne Hunt and her daughter Ellie (9) and son Oscar (5) were fatally injured in the collision between a motorhome and a lorry near York in August.

A hearse pulled by horses with white plumes was included in the procession to Rotherham Minster on Friday.

The children’s father, Craig, and their six-year-old brother, Brooklyn, survived the crash on the A64 near Flaxton in North Yorkshire, police said.

But Sgt Paul Cording, who attended the scene of the accident, told how they had suffered further heartache when they returned home and found they had been burgled.

The road policing officer started a collection online to help replace some of the items stolen, which brought in more than £20,000.

He said he had met the dad and his son earlier this month “to share a man hug and confirm all the fundraising money had been received”.

Sgt Cording added: “Sometimes there are no words one can say but their strength and humility is inspiring.

“Thank you so much to every single person that donated to this fundraiser — you are amazing.”

The family appealed for donations to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity in memory of Mrs Hunt, Ellie and Oscar.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/Huntdonations to make a donation.

ELLIE and Oscar’s school paid tribute to them as “a wonderful pupil and friend” and “an absolute treasure” following their funeral.

Rockingham Junior and Infant School said in a statement that “the whole school community has been in shock and devastated by the tragic deaths of the children and their lovely mum”.

Executive head Jane Fearnley,  head of school Louise Greenwood, and Tony Trueman, chair of the Willow Tree Academy Trust, said in a joint statement: “Ellie and Oscar’s friends and teachers will miss them greatly,

“Ellie was a selfless, generous young girl who was a wonderful pupil and friend. She was passionate about her learning, especially for PE, and she was always willing to help her teachers and peers.

“Ellie will always be remembered for being a kind, considerate and enthusiastic pupil.

“Oscar was an absolute treasure, always smiling and a friend to all. He was a wonderful role model and was nominated as ‘Boy of the Year’ for his kindness, resilience and always doing his best in everything.

“Thankfully, Brooklyn and his dad, Craig, are recovering from their physical injuries but we will know that they will need every support we can offer in the coming months.

“We are working with our colleagues at Rotherham Council, South Yorkshire Police and other agencies to ensure that the best possible specialist support is provided to the family and to our children and staff, who we know are absolutely heartbroken by this terrible tragedy.

“In the days to come we will find ways to celebrate the lives of these beautiful children and their mum and give everyone the opportunity to show their love and pay their respects.”