Jill Pirrie: £12000 raised for nurse killed during police chase

MORE than £12,000 has been raised for the devastated family of nurse Jill Pirrie, who died on Thursday after being run down by a car that was being chased by police.

Tributes left near the scene of the accident on Old Dalkeith Road. Picture: Neil Hanna

Jill, 33, was walking home from her shift at the city’s Royal Infirmary around 8pm on Old Dalkeith Road when the accident happened.

Friends and colleagues have rallied to help her devastated family and the Main Recovery team at the hospital - where she worked - set up a fundraising appeal at the weekend.

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Jill Pirrie died after being hit by a car while walking home from work. Picture: supplied

A book of condolence is also now available to sign at the hospital, where Ms Pirrie had finished her shift just minutes before a silver Ford Ka ploughed into her on Old Dalkeith Road.

Ms Pirrie, 33, lived in nearby Ravenswood Avenue with her five-year-old son Matthew, who is being cared for by his dad and other relatives.

The accident happened around 8pm on Thursday at the junction with Kingston Avenue, where floral tributes are still being laid.

SEE ALSO: Top police warned of car chase danger

Park of Old Dalkeith Road was closed the day after the accident. Picture: Courtney Cameron

It is understood the silver Ford Ka that police were pursuing was being driven by a group of teenagers, who have all been traced by detectives.

However, no arrests have been made. Police are still waiting to speak to the driver of the vehicle, who remains in a serious condition in hospital. He is believed to be just 14 years old.

Donations were today continuing to flood in for the nurse on a GoFundMe web page, which was set up by her colleagues in the Main Recovery Team at the ERI.

SEE ALSO: Driver of car that killed Jill Pirrie aged 14 - reports

Jill Pirrie died after being hit by a car while walking home from work. Picture: supplied

Ms Pirrie had posed for a photograph with her colleagues to celebrate International ­Nurses Day just hours before tragedy struck.

On the fundraising page, Nicky Omozejele wrote: “Rest in peace Jill. Will miss you so much.”

Susan Owen added: “RIP Jill. I will treasure our friendship forever. You will be missed by many, my thoughts are with your family.”

Ms Pirrie’s mother, Brenda McDonald, has spoken about her theatre nurse daughter – who had recently moved to Craigmillar from Slateford – and said she had been in a happy relationship at the time of her death.

Park of Old Dalkeith Road was closed the day after the accident. Picture: Courtney Cameron

Ms McDonald said: “We will miss her more than words can express. She was kindest person on Earth, she was simply a wonderful person and will always be in our hearts.”

As well as the police inquiries continuing into the incident, the police watchdog has launched an investigation due to the involvement of a police car in the crash.

A Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) spokeswoman said: “PIRC investigators attended the scene and a report will be submitted to the Crown Office.”

To donate, see www.gofundme.com/ripjillpirrie

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