Dozens of people worked together to shovel snow to ensure former coach operator Steve Mills could set off on his final journey from home.
The funeral of the Yorkshire Rose Holidays owner took place on January 22, but his family were told by funeral directors on Wednesday (January 21) that the cortege would not be able to leave from the 57-year-old’s home because of the snow.
Determined to not be stopped by the snow Steve’s son David, 33, pulled out a shovel and appealed for helpers on Facebook. He was touched to see a total of about 50 people turn out.
He told The Barnsley Chronicle: “They just kept turning up with shovels and shovelling – we were at it for three hours.
“It brought a tear to my eye. Everyone was brilliant – my dad would be very touched by it.
“There were people I didn’t even know. It just shows how much time and respect people had for him.”
David said a council gritter was sent to grit the estate.
Steve Mills was known throughout the town as the founder of the family firm, which he set up 11 years ago.
He had built up the business alongside David and his younger son James, 29, later involving their partners and cousin Adam in the business.
His funeral was held at Buckley Church before close family and friends went to Barnsley Cemetery.
A celebration of Steve’s life was held in the Legends Bar at Oakwell, where he was a season ticket holder.
