Tributes paid to great-grandmother killed in New Year's Eve mobility scooter crash
Tributes have been paid to a great-grandmother killed in a suspected hit-and-run crash as she rode her mobility scooter to a New Year's Eve celebration.
Sharon Jenkins, aged 62, died when she was hit by a car in Cannock as she travelled to spend New Year's Eve with her family at 6.30pm on Tuesday.
Paramedics spent 20 minutes trying to save Ms Jenkins but she was pronounced dead at the scene on Pye Green Road near Moorhill Primary School.
More than £1,200 has already been donated to give Ms Jenkins a "beautiful send-off" via an online fundraiser, where she is described as "the heart of our family" and "a beloved friend to so many people".
Her family said: "Sharon was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt.
"She always lived life to the fullest and kept us entertained with her infectious personality and wicked laugh.
"She had the kindest heart, choosing to rehome any sick or stray animal that she could.
"We are utterly heartbroken that her life ended in such tragic circumstances.
"We are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of people during our darkest days.
"We truly appreciate any donations to help provide Sharon with the send off that she deserves."
Meanwhile the 27-year-old man from Cannock suspected of causing Ms Jenkins' death has been released under investigation pending further enquiries, Staffordshire Police said.
The man was arrested in the early hours of New Year's Day on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene.
A VW Golf was involved in the crash.
Mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother
Katie Davies, who launched the GoFundMe page with a target of £4,000, said: "She was a mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother too.
"As well as being the heart of our family, she was a beloved friend to so many people too.
"What was meant to be a night of celebration for people everywhere, became a night of horror for our family.
"Sharon was on her way to spend New Year’s Eve with some of her family when she was taken away from us too soon, with no chance for us to say goodbye.
"Sharon was such a loved woman and I cannot begin to describe how much she deserves a beautiful send off.
"As you can imagine, with this being so sudden, and it being long before her time, neither Sharon or we had planned or saved for funeral preparations - especially with Christmas just passing, we simply cannot afford the send-off that Sharon deserves.
"So, this is where we please ask for your help. We certainly wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t necessary.
"Any donation at all will be gratefully received and we will not forget your kindness.
"If any money is spare after the funeral arrangements are paid for, then we will donate the remaining funds to the following charities: An animal rescue/sanctuary of the family's choice and The West Midlands Ambulance Service who responded so quickly and worked so hard to try and save Sharon’s life.
"Thank you so very much for taking the time to read our story and we thank you even more for donating."
Investigation
It is unclear whether Ms Jenkins was crossing Pye Green Road when the crash happened between Saint Aidan's Road and Edward Street.
One nearby resident said: “We came out the house and could see the lady lying in the road further down. The only thing we heard was a loud thud.
“They had lots of police taking pictures of the area and forensics.
“The road used to be a 20mph and it’s near the school. The road has got worse since they built the new estates.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “
Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended the scene.
"On arrival we discovered one patient, a woman, who had been seriously injured.
"Ambulance staff administered advanced life support, but sadly it became apparent nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.”
Anyone who saw the collision or has any information that could help with the police investigation, including relevant dash cam footage, is asked to call Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident 590 of December 31.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.
