“They should be as proud of themselves as we are”
More than a year on from the devastating car accident that took the lives of Rubie (9), Lillie (4), and their parents, Shane and Shannon, the Morgan family have shared a heartfelt tribute — thanking Athersley North Primary School for the care and compassion shown during the most difficult of times.
In a moving statement, the family said:
“The whole school – staff and children alike – have been extraordinary with their care, empathy and thoughtfulness. Keeping the memory of our loved ones alive is so important to our family and the very special way the school have done this has been a great comfort to all of us.
Through supporting each other, the local community, Lillie and Rubie’s sister and cousins and the Morgan family as a whole, they have shown what a caring, family-orientated school they are.”
The family described the school’s actions as “nothing short of outstanding.”
From creating a quiet reflection space in the playground, to establishing a special award in Rubie and Lillie’s honour, the school has worked thoughtfully to ensure their memories continue to shine brightly within the community.
When the tragedy happened at the start of the summer holidays, school leaders Clare Storr and Kirsty Wordsworth immediately opened the school to support not only pupils, but the wider community. A book of condolence was created, filled with heartfelt messages from staff, parents and children. Younger pupils shared drawings, while older children wrote personal memories and anecdotes — small but powerful acts of love that brought great comfort to the family.
The school has continued to honour Rubie and Lillie in meaningful ways, including holding a purple day to celebrate Rubie’s birthday and a yellow day for Lillie before the end of term. The family have been included in these moments wherever possible, strengthening the bond between school and family even further.
In recognition of this unwavering support, the Morgan family nominated Athersley North Primary School for this year’s Proud of Barnsley Awards. In their nomination, they wrote:
“The whole school, staff and children, have been an immense support to our family. We cannot thank them enough and feel if any school should be School of the Year, it should be Athersley North Primary School. They should be very proud of themselves, as we are.”
We remain deeply humbled by these words. As a school, we will continue to honour Rubie and Lillie with kindness, love and remembrance — values that sit at the very heart of our Athersley North family.