Tributes to 'irreplaceable' great-gran who died in crash tragedy

"We know that wherever she is now, she’s dancing, she’s singing, she’s smiling with a glass of bubbles in her hand. That’s how we will always remember her. Ann will always be irreplaceable"

The family of a great-grandmother who died after being struck by a car on one of the main roads in Tameside have paid a moving tribute to her.

The vehicle collided with 82-year-old pedestrian Ann Bates, from Audenshaw, on Manchester Road near the Snipe Retail Park, at around 6pm on Monday, November 20. She sadly died from her injuries a week later, on Sunday, November 26.

Ann's family have now issued a heartfelt tribute to their ‘matriarch and biggest shining light.' A spokesperson for the family said: “Ann Bates sadly passed away peacefully at Salford Royal Hospital surrounded by her loved ones on the 26th November 2023.

READ MORE: Tragic final moments of 'adored' dad-of-three hit by tram

READ MORE: Today's M.E.N headlines

“She leaves behind her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many other family members and friends who are all grieving her tragic loss.

“Ann was a strong woman, proud of her roots and her independence. She had wonderful lessons to teach those that came after her. She had an open-minded outlook on her life allowing her to constantly grow as a person.

“She loved to talk and discuss life and the world with people, believing truly that life is to be nothing but lived with love and adventure in our hearts.

“We know that wherever she is now, she’s dancing, she’s singing, she’s smiling with a glass of bubbles in her hand. That’s how we will always remember her. Ann will always be irreplaceable."

“With her passing our family has lost its constant, its matriarch and its biggest shining light" they added. "Our hearts are heavy as we now try to build a life on her teachings, her outlook and her aspirations for us all.

"We hope you are at peace. A special thank you to NWAS, GMP, and Salford Royal Hospital for your care and compassion shown at this difficult time.”

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said tonight (Wednesday) that the driver, a woman aged 31, remained at the scene and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

They previously said: "Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision - and are continuing to appeal for anyone with relevant mobile, dashcam or CCTV footage to please come forward." The road was taped off for several hours following the crash.

Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link

Sign up to our Tameside newsletter to get the latest updates to your inbox