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Here is a picture of Rev Dr Graham Mercer

TRIBUTES

TRIBUTES were paid today to the six-year-old girl killed in one of Merseyside's worst ever car crashes.

Olivia Wood died in the two-car smash along with her grandmother, great aunt and a family friend.

Her devastated parents Julie and Darren were told the terrible news while on holiday.

They have since returned to the UK.

The youngster's family told of their pain at losing the “bright young girl.”

Olivia died alongside her great aunt Ann Hargreaves in the 71-year-old’s silver Corsa.

Ms Hargreaves’ sister and the little girl's gran Linda Wood, 59, from Eastham, and friend Joan Roden-Jones, 64, were also killed.

The car was hit by a blue Renault Megane just before midday on Sunday in Spital Road, Spital.

The driver, former minister the Reverend Dr Graham Mercer, also died.

It is believed the 73-year-old lost control of his car after apparently suffering a seizure at the wheel.

Olivia’s cousin, Gareth Jones, said: “She was a bright young girl who was wise beyond her years.

“Olivia had a fantastic imagination and her smile would light up a room.”

Children at the youngsters’ school in Wrexham were told of her death in a special assembly.

Head teacher Neil Gledhill said: “Olivia was one of the first people to say hello to me when I walked through her class or into assembly.

“She was a very happy and smiley little girl and her loss will be felt not only in our school but throughout the whole of the community.”

Four of the victims died at the scene. Ms Roden-Jones was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital but surgeons were unable to save her.

Her cousin said: “She was such a beautiful lady. We used to joke and call her Elizabeth Taylor.

“She was so pretty and had such lovely features. She could walk into a room and make it stand still.

“We’re all devastated to lose her.”

The Rev Dr Mercer was a well-loved United Reformed Church minister based at Highfield Church in Rock Lane West and St George’s in Thornton Hough before he retired.

It is believed he was on his way home from a Church of England service when the crash happened.

His car ploughed through a wall before careering into the path of Ms Hargreaves’ Corsa, close to the junction with Arkwood Close.

THE ECHO

Parents speak about their little Olivia killed in Spital Road car crash


THE devastated parents of a child killed in a horror crash in Merseyside have spoken of their “bright and feisty” daughter.

Darren and Julie Wood were on holiday when they heard six-year-old Olivia had died in a car driven by her great aunt, 71-year-old Ann Hargreaves.

Mrs Hargreaves, of Bromborough, died in the crash alongside her sister, Olivia’s grandmother Linda Wood, 59, of Eastham, and friend Joan Roden-Jones, 64.

They were hit by a car in Spital Road, Spital, at 12pm on Sunday.

The driver, former minister the Reverend Dr Graham Mercer, 73, was also killed.

It is believed he suffered a seizure at the wheel.

Olivia died just a week after celebrating her sixth birthday.

Mum Julie, 44, said: “Olivia was the centre of our world. Her strong, funny character often meant she wrapped both of us around her tiny beautiful wrist.

“She was always singing and used to sing You Are My Sunshine with her nan, which she was to everyone who met her.

“Olivia was a daddy’s girl. She loved to rough and tumble with him when he got home from work each day.”

Olivia also leaves behind a sister, Aimee.
Mrs Wood said: “There are lots of toys from her birthday which Olivia had not even had chance to play with.

“She will always be with us and every day without her will be painful.”

Olivia’s dad Darren, 34, said his daughter was a sweet and stubborn six-year-old who made an impression on everyone who knew her.

He said: “She lived for puddings and her favourite was chocolate cake.

“Olivia was feisty and loved to ‘boing’ on her trampoline.

“She was our world and so many tears have been shed. She also leaves a huge gap in her sister Aimee’s life.

“We would like to thank all the people who have sent messages of support and love.”

The family, who live in Wrexham, thanked all of the emergency services for their help and support.

Tributes have also been paid to the Rev Dr Mercer, who was described as a “good minister” and a “lovely, kind man”.

Ms Roden-Jones’ family in Wrexham said she was affectionately nicknamed “Elizabeth Taylor”.

Witnesses should call police on 0151-777 5771

THE ECHO