Mum’s death on walk leaves family with ‘huge hole in our hearts’

The family of a woman who died after she was hit by a car on a country lane has said her loss has “left a huge hole in our hearts”.

Another woman, aged 57, was also killed when they were struck walking down Smithills Dean Road in Bolton on Monday at 07:40 GMT.

One of the women has now been named as 59-year-old retired NHS worker Vicki Attenborough, who also ran as the Green Party’s candidate to become MP for Bolton West in last year’s General Election.

Her family said she was a “loyal friend of many” who “touched the lives of everyone around her”.

“Vicki cared deeply about inequality and injustice and was dedicated to making the world a better place. This was shown through her charity fundraising events and volunteering with the Samaritans,” her family said.

“Family meant everything to her, and she has left a huge hole in our hearts.”

Her family said she was an animal lover and was inseparable from her golden retriever, Jake.

“She lived life to the full, going open water swimming several times a week in Dean Mills Reservoir, even in the depths of winter,” they said.

The driver of a VW Polo, a 19-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving on Monday.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.