The daughter of a woman who died after being hit by a van in Bury has paid a heartfelt tribute to her.
Irene Allen was hit by a Mercedes Sprinter van on Walmersley Road at around 11.15am last Tuesday (December 6). The 87-year-old was rushed to hospital from the scene, but she sadly died of her injuries last Sunday.
In a tribute issued through Greater Manchester Police, her daughter Melanie said she 'would always put others before herself'. She said her mum was Bury's first lollipop lady and will be missed for her 'sunny personality'.
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In full, Melanie's tribute said: "Irene was a much loved ex-medical receptionist at Ribblesdale House and AgeUK Jubilee Centre committee member. Irene lost the fight for her life on Sunday 11th December, she had been involved in a road traffic collision on Walmersley Road Bury on Tuesday morning, and despite the best efforts of Salford Royal Rescue and ICU teams, Irene never fully regained consciousness.
"The police are continuing to investigate the circumstances but a post mortem concluded that she died of multiple injuries caused by the collision. Irene, a keen walker and Rawtenstall Cricket fan, leaves behind a daughter and three grandchildren and a whole community who miss her sunny personality.
"Always putting others before herself, in the mid 1960’s Irene complained to Bury Council about the lack of safe crossings for school children across the busy Walmersley Road, and became the newsworthy first lollipop lady in Bury. This tragic irony sits with us today."
In a previous update, Greater Manchester Police said that after the crash, the driver - a 26-year-old man - remained at the scene after the incident to assist officers. He was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and has since been released under investigation.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to come forward. They particularly want to speak to anyone who has footage of the crash or the moments leading up to it, including dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage.
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 1115 of 06/12/22. Alternatively, details can be passed via the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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