Family and friends have paid tribute to an inspirational woman who campaigned for a change to the law after her son was killed by a drunk driver. Barbara Roberts, of Giltbrook, died on Tuesday, October 11, after battling spleen cancer.
The 78 year old will be remembered by family, friends and the community for her campaigning to change the law around drink driving in order that harsher sentences were given to those who killed someone while under the influence, following the tragic death of her son, Dale. In just six weeks she received 15,150 signatures and at the time she wrote her feelings in a diary which she published as a book in 2020.
Her son Dale Roberts, a former Kimberley Comprehensive student, was riding a motorbike in Alfreton Road when he was killed by a drink driver on October 8, 1990.
Barbara's grandson, Alex Whistler, said: "She was one of the most caring people and also one of the most strong-willed at the same time, she had the biggest heart but would also get things done. She's done things like run a marathon, she's done things like write a book.
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"When my uncle was killed by a drunk driver, she didn't just settle for the £200 fine that the driver got, as that's what it was back then.
Today, the maximum prison sentence the court can impose for causing death by dangerous driving or careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs is 14 years after sentencing guidelines were updated in August 2008.
Alex explained that his grandma also protested for another crossing in Giltbrook by walking up and down the road where she wanted one, encouraging the council to actually put a crossing there. When asked how he felt about all the amazing things she did, Alex said: "It's amazing, and it makes me feel proud to say that she was my grandma."
He added: "She fostered children, it was after her kids had grown up, and she also did things like raise money to send a terminally ill child to Disneyland, and she raised enough money that they could send the family with them. She was actually working until a few weeks ago.
"She's done every job under the sun, but this time she was doing machining in her friends' blinds company." Barbara's daughter-in-law, Michelle Roberts, knew Barbara for more than 40 years, and described her as "a true diamond."
Michelle said: "I can tell you Barb was a lovely lady, always had a smile for everyone, we had some right laughs over the years I knew her for. She loved her children so much and her grandchildren.
"Barb had so many friends, did a lot of charity work, she had so much energy, it was only the last year that Barb became ill with spleen cancer but she still was determined to fight it. Then she was free of it then became ill again, her red cells weren't right, it was horrible the day I got the call from the nurse that we needed to get to the hospital.
"She was a true diamond we all will miss that smile and the chats we had so sad, our hearts are broken." Barbara's friend, Ann Gretton, has also shared a tribute, she said: "A shock is an understatement, she passed so quick.
"Barbara will be remembered for a long long time. A kind and loving person, loved her family and her dogs, would help anyone, reunited with her son Dale, who in his memory Barbara campaigned to change the law on drink driving and succeeded.
"A good life Barbara, the legacy you have left will make people smile just as you did in life."
Ruth Sanby and her husband Paul Sanby have also paid tribute to Barbara, as they were good friends of her son Dale. Ruth said: "Barb absolutely loved going out to the shops or garden centre for a cuppa and cake, always laughing, always smiling, we had so many wonderful times together and I will truly miss my friend that became family. Our Queen of Giltbrook will never be forgotten."
Another friend of Barbara's, Rose Cook, said: "We were friends for over 30 years. She was a larger-than-life person, caring, naturally funny and generous of heart and spirit.
"She lit up a room with her smile and personality. I feel honoured to have been able to call her my friend and for her to have asked me to work with her on her book ‘Riding with the Angels’ during its initial typing and editing stages.
"Through her own life adversities, Barbara always strove to help and support others by offering her time, energy, innate sense of understanding and boundless love. She was a truly amazing lady, a beautiful force of nature."
Alex added that he would like friends and family to raise a glass of Baileys in memory of his grandma, as that was Barbara's favourite drink.
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