A Scots nursery have paid a heartfelt tribute to their “caring and nurturing” colleague who was killed alongside her daughter in a tragic road crash.
Rebecca Hill, 32, and her six-year-old girl, Arianna Aliu both died at the scene of a horrendous one-vehicle smash on the A76 near the junction with the B713, between Catrine and Auchinleck on Tuesday, September 26.
The mum-of-three was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, following the crash involving a White VW Passat, where was later pronounced dead. Her daughter sadly died at the scene.
Nursery teacher Rebecca worked at Onthank Early Childhood Centre in Kilmarnock, where colleagues have described as being a “selfless and genuine person” and a “friend to all.”
Nursery bosses took to social media to honour Rebecca as they thanked well-wishers for their support at an “extremely difficult time.”
A post from Onthank ECC reads: “As you will know we recently lost our much loved friend, colleague and key worker Rebecca (or ‘Becca’ as some of the children called her) and her precious 6 year old daughter Arianna.
“Rebecca was such a kind, caring and nurturing soul who was well loved by the staff and children in her care. Rebecca was an extremely hard worker and took a great deal of time and effort to write the perfect Learning Journal’s week after week so parents and families could also share the joy and the pride she felt in the children she worked closely with. Rebecca literally was everyone’s biggest cheerleader!
“Rebecca as mentioned above was not only a colleague but a friend to all. Always there to provide support and encouragement to everyone, with a smile on her face and nothing was ever a bother, Rebecca was just a very selfless and genuine person that is already greatly missed within the playrooms and corridors of Onthank ECC.
“Rebecca was not only a daughter, sister, partner and key worker but most importantly a Mum to her 3 beautiful girls. Rebecca often shared her stories with families and colleagues of how proud her girls made her and I’m sure her girls were equally as proud of her achievements.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Onthank ECC for their continued dedication to the children and families during this very difficult time.
“We’d also like to say a big thank you for all the very beautiful flowers, gifts and cards that the staff have received from families, and from the local community. It’s been greatly appreciated.
“At this extremely difficult time our love and thoughts are with her family and friends.
“We will never forget Rebecca, she will always be a part of Team Onthank.”
Last month, Rebecca’s heartbroken partner and Arianna’s dad, Mensur Aliu said he was “broken deep down” by the loss, thanking his loved ones for their support and added he would be “the strongest man for his girls”.
Rebecca’s sister, Aimee paid a heartbreaking tribute calling her the “best mum there ever was”, adding “I would do anything to trade places with them or to have one more sleepover with my darling girl.”
Inspector Kenny Malaney said ” Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash, or may have been in the area at the time, to contact us. I am also keen to speak to anyone who have may dashcam footage showing the Passat prior to the crash. Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 2596 of September 24, 2024.”
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