Tributes paid to women killed in dog-rescue crash

Tributes have been paid to two British women who were killed in a crash in Romania while on a dog rescue trip.

Rachael Harvey-Purkiss, from Essex, andAllison Condon, from Northamptonshire, were in a collisionwhich, according to reports, involved multiple vehicles on Thursday.

Serena Nuth, Condon's sister, said both women were volunteers who "did this work purely for love".

She said: "Allison was absolutely dog‑mad; helping animals brought her so much joy and purpose."

The women were in the country having collected dogs on behalf of UK-based Homeward Bound, which helps street dogs in Turkey.

The group posted that seven dogs had died, two were missing and one was safe.

Nuth said: "They chose to give their time, energy, and hearts to rescuing dogs because it meant everything to them.

"(Allison) died doing what she loved, alongside Rachael, who shared that same devotion."

She confirmed fundraising pages had been set up for both women, whose families were "facing significant and immediate costs".

Wellingborough Eco Hub said Condon was a "much-loved and dedicated volunteer" who had a "truly beautiful heart".

"She was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone, always putting others before herself," it added.

"She had such a wonderful way of bringing happiness and joy to the people around her, and her presence made a difference to so many of us.

"Ali will be deeply, deeply missed."

Viv Wilkinson, from Little Irchester, is a fundraiser and volunteer at Northamptonshire charity Animals in Need.

She said she got two of her dogs, Nico and Zara, because of Condon and described her as "a star, a diamond, and incredible".

Wilkinson said she would always remember Condon as a "loving, caring animal person".

Broomfield Women and Girls Football Club, who Harvey-Purkiss played for, posted on Facebook: "Rachael was just a wonderful person to be around - kind, passionate, and always ready to make you laugh with her brilliant sense of humour.

"She was a proper team-mate and a true friend on and off the pitch.

"She was a familiar face throughout the Essex women's football community, playing everything from 11-a-side to walking football.

"Over the years, she played for Broomfield Women's FC and Springfield FC, and most recently for Chelmsfordian United WFC."

It said she left a "lasting impact on everyone she shared the pitch or the sidelines with".

Chelmsford Litter Wombles also said she was a "dedicated volunteer".

"She was a real trooper - never afraid of hard work and always on the hunt for a grot spot that needed tackling.

"Rachael wasn't just a litter picker.

"She was an active reporter and a constant pair of eyes for our community.

"What stood out most about Rachael was her huge heart.

"If there was a dog, cat, bird or any other animal in trouble, Rachael wanted to help."

Springfield Football Club, who Harvey-Purkiss also played for, said: "Rachael was an ever-present player at our women's recreational sessions.

"Always looking to introduce players to the game and to share the joy that the sport brings to us all.

"She will be missed by all of us."

The Foreign Office said it had not been approached for assistance, but its staff "stand ready to support British nationals abroad 24/7".

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