Pitsea fireworks celebrate lives of hit-and-run victims

Residents gathered on Saturday night to remember Roman Casselden, 16, and his sister Darcie, nine, after they died in a crash on Pitsea's Aslyns on February 1. [1] On Saturday, around 500 residents gathered at a field near Eversley Leisure Centre, in Pitsea, for a firework display in honour of their lives. Touching - Hundreds turned out for Saturday's memorial celebration (Image: Moore brothers)The event kicked off at around 6.45pm with hundreds of residents turning out to remember the siblings with fireworks, music and a food truck.

We're now on WhatsApp. Join our new channel at https://bit.ly/4eGOxig[2] to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. The memorial was organised by brothers Jude and Josh Moore, who have been supporting Roman and Darcie's family in the wake of their heart-breaking deaths.

Jude, who felt compelled to use his social media following to help the family, said: "The event was absolutely unreal. Emotional - The event was positive and moving according to organisers (Image: Moore brothers)"There was around 500 people all stood there together, watching the fireworks and singing Robbie Williams' Angels - the kid's dad's favourite song. "It was really emotional but really positive with everyone hugging each other."

While community togetherness was the priority for Saturday's firework display, attendees were also invited to make donations if they wished. Devastating - Darcie and Roman died at the start of February (Image: Essex Police)Jude said: "We're really grateful to all of the different shops that donated the fireworks for us to use - I've been to a few displays and this was the best I've ever seen." In the days following the tragic incident, the Moore brothers set up an online fundraiser, which quickly amassed over GBP30,000 in donations.

They are also working with Basildon resident Matthew Riggs to organise a star-studded charity football match in March.[3] Tragic - Balloons and fireworks were donated by Basildon shops (Image: Moore brothers) Celebrity players who have been confirmed for the Bowers Football Club match include actor Tamer Hassan, Love Island star Jack Fincham and The Only Way Is Essex's Dan Osborne. Jude, who is also set to play in the match, said: "I think the football match will be huge.

"Saturday was cold, dark and muddy and for so many people to come that makes me think that an event during the day, in a stadium will just be massive."

References

1. ^ Residents gathered on Saturday night to remember Roman Casselden, 16, and his sister Darcie, nine, after they died in a crash on Pitsea's Aslyns on February 1. (www.bing.com)
2. ^ https://bit.ly/4eGOxig (bit.ly)
3. ^ They are also working with Basildon resident Matthew Riggs to organise a star-studded charity football match in March. (www.bing.com)