Third Funeral Set for Derry Hill Crash Victim Matthew Parke
The third funeral for the victims of the tragic Derry Hill road accident is scheduled for this Thursday, 24th September. Matthew Parke’s cortege will leave his family home at 11.50am. It will travel along the bypass, down Oxford Road, and through Calne town centre.
Covid Rules Urged for Funeral Mourners
Police are once again urging the public to obey the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions if they plan to pay their respects as the cortege passes through town. The funeral service and the celebration of Matthew’s life are private and invite-only.
After the service, funeral flowers will be taken to Calne pop-up park and laid there in Matthew’s memory.
Family Thanks Community, Launches Memorial Fund
Matthew’s family thanks the Calne community, friends, and relatives for their incredible support during this heartbreaking time.
They are raising funds to support Kingsbury Green Academy (formerly John Bentley), where Matthew attended secondary school and sixth form. The family says Matthew was very happy at the school and formed close friendships there. He earned excellent GCSE and A-level results, boosted by his teachers and head teacher, Mr Tudor.
Donations can be made via Odette Funeral Directors or Matthew’s GoFundMe titled “Matthew Parke’s Memorial Fundraiser”.
Officials Praise Community’s Respect and Safety
“I want to thank the Calne community for their ongoing support for the families of Corey, Jordan, Matthew, and Ryan,” said Inspector James Brain of the Chippenham Area Community Policing Team. “Please remember to pay your last respects safely by following social distancing rules and avoiding groups larger than six.”
Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council, added: “We know Covid restrictions make grieving harder, but Calne have respected them and that’s appreciated. We urge everyone to keep following guidance to stay safe while paying respects during this difficult time.”
