Thousands of pounds raised for funeral of Barnsley man killed in crash alongside beloved dog

Anthony Sykes, aged 32, was killed with his beloved pet dog Bella, while they walked along Oaks Lane at around 8.30am on Monday.

A silver Kia Rio is said to have mounted the pavement as it was travelling in the direction of Pontefract Road, colliding with Mr Skyes and his dog, who were both pronounced dead at the scene.

A police probe into the incident is under way and witnesses, anyone who saw the car before the collision or anyone with dashcam footage is urged to come forward.

Officers would also like to speak to anyone who stopped at the scene to help.

Heartbroken relatives shocked at the death have set up an online fundraising page on the Just Giving crowdfunding site.

Mr Sykes’ brother-in-law, William Simmons, said: “On January 13, Anthony took his dog, Bella, for a walk as he does every day.

“He took his normal route through the countryside down the Trans Pennine Trail.

“Tragically, at around 8.30am, a car mounted the pavement and knocked Anthony and Bella over. Unfortunately Anthony and Bella were pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of the emergency crew.”

He added: “Obviously the family are devastated and cannot comprehend what has happened. As you all know funerals are expensive and donations would be extremely appreciated.

“Thanks in advance for any donations recieved.”

Over £2,000 has been donated so far.

Mr Sykes, a warehouse worker for supermarket chain Aldi, spent most of his life in the Kingstone area of Barnsley and lived in the town centre for the last three years.

He was in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Grace, and did a lot of chairty walks for Barnsley Hospice, where his mum received care before she died.

My Sykes had just posted details on Facebook of another walk he was planning to complete this summer.

To donate to his family’s fundraising appeal, click HERE.

Anyone with information about the collision should call 101 and quote incident number 150 of January 13.