WE DON’T KNOW HOW TO START AGAIN—MINNIE MERRIMAN’S HEARTBROKEN FAMILY SPEAK OUT AFTER THEIR WORLD WAS ‘TURNED UPSIDE DOWN OVERNIGHT’
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Minnie Merriman(Image: Facebook)
The family of tragic Minnie Merriman have been “left with nothing” in the wake of her death, a close friend has told.
The nine-year-old, from West Yorkshire, died at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after she was found seriously injured at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath in the early hours of Monday August 3. The youngster and her family were camping in the area at the time – with three other members of Minnie’s family also being taken to hospital.
Minnie’s father, Christopher Rice, 35, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday, where he faced a single charge of murder. He has been remanded in custody.
A fundraiser has now been launched to help the family “rebuild” after their “unimaginable heartbreak”.
Organiser Stevie Walker wrote: “As many of you will now know, our beautiful Minnie was tragically taken far too soon on Monday 3rd August.
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Laurie Merriman with daughter Minnie(Image: Facebook)
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“It is difficult to even find the words to write this. As a close friend of Laurie and her family, I have set up this page on their behalf because right now they are facing something no mother, brothers or family should ever have to face.
“Laurie has lost her precious girl, and her boys have lost their beautiful sister. Their whole world has been turned upside down overnight.
“Alongside the unimaginable heartbreak of losing Minnie, Laurie and the boys have also lost their home and everything they had. They have been left with nothing and are having to somehow find a way through each day while trying to rebuild some sort of stability for the boys.”
The friend added: “Until Minnie can come home, the family face regular travel between Yorkshire and Scotland, as well as accommodation and everyday living costs.
“Minnie was so incredibly loved, and always will be. “
The crowdfunder, which has raised more than £1,000 in a matter of hours, was launched as the family said they are “overwhelmed” after Arbroath FC paid a touching tribute in her memory.
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A minute’s silence was held in memory of Minnie on Saturday(Image: SNS Group)
On Saturday, the club held a minute’s silence for Minnie prior to their Scottish Championship fixture against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Over 1,300 fans in attendance at Gayfield Park, just one mile from where the youngster was discovered, paid their respects.
Her aunt, Chloe Merriman, was touched by the gesture. Writing on Facebook, she said: “We really appreciate this as a family. My sister is overwhelmed with the kindness and love from Arbroath.”
The Red Lichties paid tribute after it emerged a health board is investigating a potential data breach after the youngster’s health records were allegedly accessed by a member of staff.
NHS Tayside confirmed an investigation has been launched after Minnie’s health records were allegedly accessed without permission or a clinical need.
Laurie Merriman, Minnie’s mum, also paid tribute to her “first true love” in a heart-breaking message this week following her daughter’s death.
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Minnie Merriman died after being found injured in Arbroath(Image: Police Scotland)
She wrote: “You have always and will continue being my strength, we are connected eternally, I have never felt a love so deep and a connection so strong.
“My first true love, my twin, I am connected to you in life and in death, and my girl that cannot be broken, I will fight to stay strong for your little brothers.
“I will hold my head high, knowing you will always be holding my hand for the rest of my life. I will see you again, that I know for sure. I love you eternally.”
In another tribute, headteacher of Hendal Primary School in Wakefield, Kelly Ashton, described her as a “kind and thoughtful girl”.
Police Scotland confirmed they were not looking for anyone else in connection with Minnie’s death. Families camping in the area are being supported by specialist officers.
SOURCE: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/family-tragic-minnie-merriman-left-37530165
