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More than £2k raised in memory of mother and daughter who were “best friends”

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 17:07, Wednesday October 25th, 2023.
Last updated: 18:12, Friday October 27th, 2023

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Mother and daughter Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, were killed on the M4 near Chippenham
Mother and daughter Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, were killed on the M4 near Chippenham

More than £2,000 has been raised towards the funerals of an “inseparable” mother and daughter who died in a crash on the M4 last week.

Cheryl Woods, 61, from Penyrheol, and Sarha Smith, 40, from Abertridwr, were killed in a five-vehicle crash near Chippenham at around 9.10am on Friday October 20, as Storm Babet took hold.

In less than 24 hours, more than £2,180 and counting has been raised by the community through a JustGiving page set up by the family, with a target of £15,000.

Twenty-two-year-old Bethany Smith, the eldest of Sarha’s six daughters, told Caerphilly Observer she was “overwhelmed” by the generosity of the community.

“We weren’t expecting it,” she added.

Speaking about the relationship between their mother and grandmother, Bethany said: “They were inseparable. They were always together.

“They were always out shopping together, going on caravan holidays to Tenby and across Wales, or going for afternoon teas together.

“They were best friends.”

Bethany described the relationship between her mother and grandmother as “inspiring” and said: “My mum was my best friend too.”

Wiltshire Police has released the following tribute from the family of Cheryl and Sarha.

“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 well-being 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.”

Visit JustGiving to make a donation to the family’s fundraiser.


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