Upton community rally to help families of quad bike crash victims

Terrie Kirby, 16, died along with her three friends, Ryan Beal and Brandon Brown, both 20, and Alexandra Binns, 18, when their quad bike was hit from behind by a Nissan 350Z on the A6201 between Upton and Hemsworth at around 12.30am on Sunday, September 27.

Upton parish councillor Angela Davies has launched a campaign to raise money to help the families with funeral costs.

Coun Davies said she now hopes to install memorial benches for each of the victims as well as Drae Worth, who also died in a quad bike accident at the age of 20 last October.

She said: “We just want to help the families in any we can at this very difficult time for them.

“They are just arranging the funerals and we are hoping to pay for the flowers for each of the young people.”

Coun Davies has launched the campaign - called BRAT - with fellow councillor Rita Johnson and her granddaughter Zoe.

They have also organised a race night at Upton Rugby Club to top up funds which will take place on Saturday, November 7.

Coun Davies said: “The response we’ve had and the way everyone in Upton has pulled together has just been overwhelming.

“The mood has changed in the past week and everyone is now just coming together and doing what they can to help.

“People are so kind and I honestly don’t think there’s anywhere on earth like our area.”

Coun Davies said the group also hope to set up a trust fund for Mr Beal’s daughter Ruby to help his family.

There will also be a sponsored horse ride and walk to raise money.

Friends Casey Peart, Jessica Philip and Polly Coles has organised the event which will be held at Hob House Farm on Sunday, October 18.

Those wishing to take part can donate £10. The walk will start at 10am and there will also be a raffle.

Money raised at a bare-knuckle fighting event will also be donated to BRAT.

The event will take place at Wrangbrook Club and Institute, Wrangbrook Road, on Saturday, October 10 from 1pm until 5pm.