Shops help greiving family

Computer equipment bought with money raised in memory of Ashlee Rowland handed over to her family at Kwik Stop, Glapwell. Picture includes Bali Kaur and Raj Singh of Kwik Stop Convenience Store, Raj Kaur of Bargain Booke, Julie Aitken of Glapwell Centre, Rose Aitken, Mathew Crowder, Mark Rowland and children Hollie Rowland, 13, Connor Cooper, 15, Kai Cooper, 14, Emily Rowland, six, Evie Rowland, 10 and Finlay Rowland, seven

Ashlee Rowland was eight when she passed away on Tuesday, August 15, this year, after the incident on Sycamore Avenue, Glapwell.

Ashlee was crossing the road with her younger sister when she was hit by a minibus.

She later died at Chesterfield Royal Hospital with her parents by her side from a serious head injuries she sustained.

She was described as ‘a little princess’ by her mum Louise and dad Mark.

Two corner shops, one in Glapwell where Ashlee lived, joined forces to lend a helping hand to the grieving family.

Kwik Stop Convenience Store on The Green, Glapwell and Bargain Booze on Chesterfield Road, Mansfield raised £611 for the family.

Bali Kaur, 55, who ownes the Kwik Stop Store with her husband Raj Singh, 52, put up a sign in their shop and asked customers if they would like to make an donation.

Bali said: “We did it to help, obviously it is such a tragedy to lose someone.

“We put up a sign in the shop and asked customers to make donations towards the family.

“It was the community of Glapwell that gave the money, we put some of our own money in too.

“I suggested to Ashlee’s dad Mark Rowland, that we buy computer for the children and he said that was fine because they did not have one.

“The computer is something to keep Ashlee’s brothers and sisters occupied and help with school. They really appreciated it.”

Bali’s sister Raj Kaur,49, who owns Bargain Booze, Mansfield, with her husband Manjit Singh,48, joined in raising money after she heard about the tragic incident which happened in her sisters village.

With the money raised Bali brought a computer, printer, desk and chair.

Ashlee’s family were handed the items outside of the Kwik Stop Store on Tuesday, September 19.

Ashlee’s brothers and sisters were there along with her mum and dad.

Julie Aitken of Glapwell Centre was also invited down as Ashlee’s wake was held at the centre on The Green.