Tributes to ’selfless’ mum and daughter killed in Storm Babet motorway pile-up

Two women killed in a motorway crash during Storm Babet have been named as a mother and daughter.

Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, from Caerphilly, Wales, died in the dreadful smash on the M4, north-west of Chippenham, last Friday (October 20). Five cars were involved in the tragedy that saw a lorry overturn during the brutal weather that battered the UK last week.

Both Cheryl and Sarha were pronounced dead at the scene. Two others suffered minor injuries. Paying tribute to the pair, their heartbroken family said Cheryl was "cherished by those in her life" and Sarha was "unselfishly devoted" to her family.

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In a statement issued on their behalf by Wiltshire police, the family said: “Cheryl Woods, cherished by those in her life, fulfilled the roles of a loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend.

“Her selflessness was a defining trait, consistently prioritising her family's wellbeing over her own, and she took immense pride in her Welsh heritage while nurturing a deep love for nature.

“Sarha Smith, in the footsteps of her mother, unselfishly devoted herself to her family's needs ahead of her own. She was not only a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but her absence leaves a void for those who relied on her radiant presence.

“Her legacy lives on through her six daughters, who will forever hold her memory close and strive to honour her with their efforts.”

The motorway was shut in both directions for most of the day following the awful crash.

After making landfall in the middle of last week, Storm Babet quickly wreaked havoc across Ireland and swept northwards across the UK, before settling over Scotland. Northern and eastern Scotland saw the worst of the severe weather.

Another victim of the terrible storm was Maureen Gilbert, who was found dead in her flooded home in Chesterfield, while a couple in their 70s died after their car plummeted from a bridge in North Yorkshire.

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