A pregnant mum found out she was having a baby girl just days before she died after a crash on the M66.
Frankie Julia Hough's family have paid a heartfelt tribute to her, describing her as a "shining light". The 38-year-old was driving southbound on the motorway, near Bury, at the time of the crash at around 3.10pm on Saturday (May 13).
She was in the car with her two young sons, nine-year-old Tommy and two-year-old Rocky, and her four-year-old nephew Tobias at the time.
READ MORE: 'Fly high angel with your angel baby' - tributes to pregnant mum killed in M66 crash
Frankie died in hospital yesterday (Monday) as a result of her injuries. Tommy and Tobias both remain in hospital in induced comas and are continuing to "fight".
Rocky suffered minor injuries and is being looked after by loved ones. Frankie, described as a "fierce mother with a heart of gold", leaves behind her two boys and her partner Calvin.
She also leaves behind her parents Julia and Frank, sister Becci Welby, brother-in-law Arron Welby and many more loved ones. Frankie was pregnant and had just celebrated finding out that she would be having a baby girl the week before her death.
Paying tribute to her on behalf on her family, Arron told the MEN: "She was the most amazing person, she had a heart of gold. She was a dedicated, fierce mother and she was a fighter for her kids.
"She was the best auntie. She was a shining light, she would protect her kids with everything she had."
He added: "She was pregnant and was only just celebrating the week before with a baby shower when she found out she was having a little girl. It's just so sad."
He said Frankie would now be 'shining down' on her son and nephew as they continue to fight in hospital. He said his son Tobias - Frankie's nephew - has been a 'little warrior'.
Arron said: "We don't know what the outcome is going to be when he wakes up, we know he has had a head trauma. We're hoping there will be no detriment to his long-term health, he is being a strong boy".
Tommy is also "making good progress" but is still in an induced coma. His dad is by his bedside.
Arron added: "We're just going day-by-day and bit-by-bit and want out boys back. It's good if people pray and it gets us through, we want that power and positivity. We know she's [Frankie] shining down on them now and bringing them through and showing us that she's there and helping.
"She was just so strong-minded, if anyone was to go she would have picked herself. We'll carry her legacy on. We now need to bring our boys through."
Frankie's family thanked the first responders on the scene who were "amazing and professional". They also thanked the teams at Manchester Royal Infirmary who are caring for the boys and at Royal Preston Hospital who cared for Frankie.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family, with more than £38,000 raised so far. To donate, click here.
Adil Iqbal, of Hope Street, Accrington, has been charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He appeared in court yesterday (May 15) wearing a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Mr Iqbal was remanded into custody and a preliminary hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court is expected to take place on June 19. Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.
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