Fundraiser in memory of Bonny Rae Barrow who died in Huncoat crash

The family, who lost 15-year-old Bonny Rae Barrow in the 2023 incident, have launched a fundraiser in her memory to help children in need.

Bonny's sister, Casey Jayde Barrow, has now created a GoFundMe campaign to support other children in need.

Bonny was the passenger in a van which veered off the road - the driver, Cameron Hughes, had been using his mobile phone and inhaling laughing gas prior to the crash, and was jailed for seven years after admitting causing her death by dangerous driving.

A fundraiser has been set up in memory of Bonny Rae Barrow (Image: Casey Barrow)

Her mother, Sarah Barrow, said the family decided to launch the fundraiser in order to turn their grief into something positive.

Sarah, who grew up in Blackley, Manchester, before moving to Lancashire, said: "It was the third anniversary of my daughter who died after a tragic road incident.

"We are at a place where, rather than use the time for grief and negativity, we want to give something back."

The campaign aims to provide school uniforms, shoes, bags, and other essentials for children who may otherwise go without.

Bonny Rae Barrow died in July 2023 (Image: Casey Barrow)

"Bonny was still a young child herself when she passed," Sarah said.

"As well as supporting the local church, in today’s society, there are a lot of children who are in so much need, and families are struggling.

"Kids should be able to start the year off with clean and new items ready for the school year."

More than 900 have been donated so far. Sarah said she is delighted that so many people still wish to donate funds in her memory.

The family of Bonny Rae Barrow want to do something positive for charity in her memory (Image: Casey Barrow)

"It is nice to see Bonny still has a bit of reach and that she is still remembered and that people are still willing to help," she said.

"It's nice that something positive can come from this.

"I would love to do other things like this in the future."

Sarah said they plan to keep the fundraiser open for another week to allow time for donations.

She said: "I wanted to give back instead of being consumed by the grief.

"We are planning on giving it another week to fundraise so people can start getting ready for school in advance."

The fundraiser page reads: "There are no words to describe the pain of losing our precious daughter, Bonny.

"While our hearts will always carry the weight of her absence, we find comfort in knowing that she is safe in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

"As we remember Bonny, we want her legacy to be one of love, kindness, and hope.

"This year, we are raising funds to provide essential back-to-school items for families who may be struggling financially.

"From school uniforms and shoes to bags and other school essentials, we want every child to begin the new school year with confidence, dignity, and the knowledge that they are loved."

All funds raised will be given to the family's church, which will handle distribution to families most in need.

Sarah said she hopes this act of giving will be the first of many in Bonny's memory.

She is considering future projects, such as supporting the homeless at Christmas.

The family is encouraging the public to donate what they can or to share the fundraiser.

Bonny died after a van veered off a slip road near Huncoat on July 7, 2023.

The vehicle was being driven by 24-year-old Cameron Hughes, who was jailed for seven years and six months after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

He had been using his mobile phone moments before losing control of the van, which crashed off the northbound exit slip road of the A56.

He has also been seen on CCTV inhaling laughing gas from balloons as he drove.

The GoFundMe page can be found by searching 'Bonney’s blessing, helping children go back to school'.