Family of Minnie Merriman "overwhelmed" after Arbroath FC hold minute's silence in tribute
Nine year old Minnie died after being found seriously injured
The aunt of a nine year old girl who died after being found seriously injured on an industrial estate in Arbroath say the family is “overwhelmed” by a minute’s silence held in her honour.
Arbroath FC paid tribute to Minnie Merriman during their game against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday.
Minnie, who is from West Yorkshire, died at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee on Monday.
Her father has since appeared in court charged with her murder.
"We cannot change what has happened"
Replying to a social media post announcing the minute’s silence, Minnie’s aunt Chloe Merriman said: “We really appreciate this as a family my sister Laurie is over whelmed with the kindness and love from Arbroath”.
Around 1,300 people attended Saturday’s match, which took place just a mile away from where the nine year old was found.
A fundraiser has been set up by a family friend, who says Minnie’s mum and two brothers “have been left with nothing”.
Stevie Walker, who set the GoFundMe up, says while the investigation is ongoing, the family are facing “regular travel between Yorkshire and Scotland”, which could last for months.
"We can't make any of this right"
He said on the fundraising page: “Those of us who love Laurie can’t take away her pain. We can’t change what has happened and we can’t make any of this right. But we can come together and try to ease some of the practical pressures that no grieving family should have to think about at a time like this.”
He continued: “For now, we just want Laurie to be able to concentrate on herself and her boys, surrounded by the people who love them, while they wait for the day they can finally bring their beautiful Minnie home and lay her to rest.
”This isn’t going to be a short journey for them. They are going to need love and support not just today, but throughout everything that lies ahead.
Minnie was so incredibly loved, and always will be.”
Just over £1000 has been raised for the family so far.