Thousands raised after woman killed in quad bike crash
At the time of writing more than GBP10,000 had been donated to help the family of Grace Vater give her "the send-off she deserves" following her death on Christmas Day. Grace was involved in an incident on Whitehouse Lane in Shipton Moyne, near Malmesbury, on Saturday, December 23, and died of her injuries at Southmead Hospital on Christmas Day.[1] Her sister Aisha has since started a fundraising page, to help pay for the funeral, and the family's target of GBP7,000 was smashed within 24 hours.
Aisha was overwhelmed by the generosity of those who have donated. She said: "I'm gobsmacked GBP10,000 has been raised in 24 hours for Gracie. "I am absolutely blown away by the amount of donations.
For the first time in four days, I've been in tears of happiness. "The fact that it's just been Christmas and people have spent hundreds on their friends and family and are still able to donate has filled my heart with so much joy." Grace Vater (Image: Gloucestershire Constabulary)
Aisha thanked the community for their support and revealed any excess donations would be given to Wiltshire Air Ambulance. She added: "We are all very deeply touched and overwhelmed at the generosity of our wonderful community. "I thank everybody from the bottom of my heart that we have one less thing to stress and worry about.
"My sister will have the best send-off. Any remaining donations will go straight to Wiltshire Air Ambulance for their outstanding service not just for Grace but for many others in our community. "Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you." Those wishing to donate to the fundraiser can do so via the family's GoFundMe page.
Following the crash, in which police believe Grace fell off a quad bike after it overturned, her family released a moving tribute via Gloucestershire Constabulary. Grace Vater (Image: Gloucestershire constabulary) They said: "We as a family are totally devastated to have lost our beautiful darling Gracie.
"A treasured and much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter and aunty. "She was the most kind, caring and beautiful soul inside and out, and would help anybody that needed her help. She was loved by everyone who met her."
Two men from the Cotswolds, aged 29 and 30, have been arrested in connection with the crash and bailed pending further enquiries.
A police investigation is ongoing and anyone with information should contact the force via their online reporting system quoting incident 251 of December 23.