Beth’s Angels honoured - legacy keeps teenager’s memory alive

Six children raise £900 by doing charity walk for Beth's Angels charity - fund after Bethany Jones died after M62 crash.
LOCATION: Barnsley Oak, Mill Lane, South Elmsall.
Pictured L/R: Mark Larkin with: Ella Stones, Chloe Manua, Lucy Savage, Niamh Allen, Macy McDonaugh, Elise Reay — Six children raise £900 by doing charity walk for Beth's Angels charity - fund after Bethany Jones died after M62 crash. LOCATION: Barnsley Oak, Mill Lane, South Elmsall. Pictured L/R: Mark Larkin with: Ella Stones, Chloe Manua, Lucy Savage, Niamh Allen, Macy McDonaugh, Elise Reay

Mark Larkin set up Beth’s Angels after Miss Jones was killed in the M62 hen party minibus crash in 2013.

The charity has helped raise £12,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and he has been given a Supporters Award by the emergency service.

Mr Larkin, landlord of the Barnsley Oak pub in South Elmsall, said: “The award is an honour for me, I just thought ‘wow’ when I first found out.

Collect picture of Beth Jones killed in the M62 Minibus crash. See Ross Pary RPYM62. The sentence of minibus driver James Johnson is due today, for causing death by dangerous driving of pretty nurse Bethany Jones in horror hen party crash.

“It’s a legacy to Beth. It’s keeping her memory alive.

“I’m accepting it on behalf of the community because everyone has rallied round and helped raise money.

“The Air Ambulance was not involved when the M62 crash happened because their two helicopters were out of commission but if they weren’t they could have been used. It means a lot to me, they save lives, and I wanted to fundraise for them so they can help others.”

The charity was launched by Mr Larkin with £1,000 from the Barnsley Road pub’s takings.

An emblem, carrying a Beth’s Angels logo and designed by her sister Amy, has been placed on the side of both air ambulance current helicopters.

Dozens of fundraisers have been organised since the charity was first set up including events at Frickley Athletic and Minsthorpe Community College as well as sponsored walks.

The charity also sells Beth’s Angels pin badges and wristbands to raise cash.

Mr Larkin, 48, added: “Beth’s life was cut short because of circumstances which should not have happened.

“When I see the helicopter flying over and it has the Beth’s Angels emblem on, it’s touching for me.”