Kentish Express Ashford & District
Thousands raised after crash tragedy
A devastated family has paid tribute to a grandmother killed in a car crash on the Romney Marsh.
Kennington resident Sharon Haywood died following an accident near Lydd which killed two others and injured another.
Mrs Haywood was driving on Romney Road in a black Dacia Duster Ambiance on the evening of Sunday, April 18 when she was involved in a crash with a white BMW M135i.
Two passengers in the BMW – 26-year-old Jack Ryle-Thompsett from Lydd and a man in his 40s from Hull – also died in the tragedy.
The driver of the BMW, a man in his 30s, was airlifted to a London hospital with serious injuries.
Mrs Haywood’s daughter, Rachel Stephens, says she will be “missed by so many”.
She said: “Those who knew mum, know she was a muchloved mum and grandma, who was tragically taken from us.”
The 58-year-old leaves behind three children and seven grandchildren.
Born in Ramsgate, she spent many years of her life on the Marsh, living in New Romney and Lydd, before moving to the Ashford area.
The healthcare worker was travelling to attend to her service users when the tragic incident occurred.
Mrs Stephens said: “Mum left for work and never came home.
“She was a dedicated health worker who lived for her job and caring for others.”
Flowers have been left at the crash site on Romney Road, while well-wishers have paid tribute to Mrs Haywood and also to Mr Ryle-Thompsett.
The 26-year-old father-to-be was expecting a daughter with his partner Georgie.
A fundraising page has been set up in Mrs Haywood’s memory, to provide for her family in the wake of her death.
On Sunday, police renewed their appeal for witnesses.
They are particularly keen to hear from six people who were stood together on a grass verge north of Lydd Golf Club - a few hundred metres from where the crash occurred - or anyone who was walking along Romney Road between 6pm and 6.30pm.
Anyone who can help is urged to call the appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference RY/DC/034/21 or email sciu.td@ kent.police.uk.
To donate to the fundraising page for Sharon Haywood's final goodbye - which has already raised more the £5,000 - visit bit. ly/3tWieVZ