Grateful family sends message to kind strangers who moved hearse stuck in snow

The family of a beloved Rotherham taxi founder have extended their gratitude to kind strangers who helped him on his 'final journey' after his hearse got stuck in the snow last week.
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Steven Watson, 53, said it was a perfect farewell for his father Raymond Watson when the community came to the aid of mourners and pushed the vehicle so he could get to his final resting place.

Heavy snowfall last Thursday had caused major travel disruption across South Yorkshire, resulting in many vehicles being stranded on the road.

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The hearse was no exception, as it was stuck in snow as it attempted to go to Rotherham Crematorium and Cemetery in East Herringthorpe, Ridgeway.

The East Herringthorpe residents were spotted rescuing the hearse in the snow in a video captured by resident Michelle Mulcahy.The East Herringthorpe residents were spotted rescuing the hearse in the snow in a video captured by resident Michelle Mulcahy.
The East Herringthorpe residents were spotted rescuing the hearse in the snow in a video captured by resident Michelle Mulcahy.

But thanks to the crowd who came to the rescue, the funeral directors managed to give a proper send-off to Raymond.

The footage of the touching moment was captured by a resident and had since gone viral on social media.

Steven, from Rotherham said, his father Rayond had devoted 40 years of his life to helping people get to their destinations after founding A1 Taxis in Rotherham.

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He said: On behalf of my family, we would like to thank everyone who helped us get my dad to his final resting place.

“Butterfields funeral directors, and everyone from east Herringthorpe who came out in the snow and helped us - thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

“I got out and started shovelling and digging, and eventually we got the hearse to the crematorium.

“And then we saw just lads and lasses from the estates coming to help.“It was a difficult day and for them to come help it means a lot."

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Steven added: “My dad started the company 40-odd years ago, A1 taxis. He got everyone to where they needed to go, and it’s a fitting send-off that people helped him on his final journey.

“Everything that was happening helped us get through the day. It was an indescribable day.”

Raymond passed away peacefully aged 72 in early January after suffering from kidney failure.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years Julie and his sons Steven and Andrew, 52.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.