September 14, 2020 2.04 pm This story is over 42 months old

£15k raised for kids of couple killed in A142 crash

Lincoln man awaits trial over fatal crash

Over £15,000 has been raised to help support two young children whose parents tragically died in a crash on the A142 in Cambridgeshire involving a Lincoln driver.

Robert Bateman, 36, and his wife Paula, 35, from Manea, March, died in the collision, which involved their Ford Focus and an Iveco Daily van. It happened just after 8pm on Thursday, September 3.

Their two daughters Lexi, aged, 10 and 18-month old Elizabeth were also in the car. Lexi suffered serious, but not life-threatening injuries, and both girls were later discharged from hospital.

The van driver Luke Norton, 31, of Nocton Park Road, Nocton, Lincoln was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He will appear at Peterborough Crown Court on October 2.

Shane Yerrell, who runs Through The Fight Charity Foundation, set up a JustGiving page to try and help support the family. By the time of publication £15,292 has been raised.

Bob and Paula Bateman died in the crash in Cambridgeshire. Photo: Cambridgeshire Police

On the page, he said: “After reading the story, I felt gutted and have not stopped thinking about it since.

“Two little girls have had both of their parents taken away in the most cruel way.

“I run a charity which provides support for the victims of violent crime and people affected by illness and would like to support this family.

“All proceeds raised on this page will go towards supporting the two young girls through this terrible time.”

In a statement earlier this month, Bob and Paula’s family said: “We are utterly devastated by this news. Bob and Paula were much-loved friends to many and will be missed by everyone who knew them.

“They were also utterly devoted parents. Bob was a much-loved son and father, while Paula was a much-loved daughter, sister and mother.”