Tributes paid to Melksham woman after town centre collision

The family of a much-loved Melksham woman who died following a collision in the town centre, which left her best friend also fighting for her life, has paid tribute to a ‘truly special and unique lady.’

Cheryl Decarteret, 79, died after being struck by a white Ford Transit van, which the driver was reversing, outside Savers on Lowbourne on 27th September. Both she and her friend, Margaret Shaw, sustained life-threatening injuries, and Cheryl died in hospital a few days later.

Cheryl, who formerly worked in Avon Rubber and was well known in Melksham, leaves behind a son, two daughters, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In a moving tribute to Cheryl, her grandchildren said, “Nan was a truly special and unique lady and we all loved her dearly. All of us were very fortunate to have Nan so involved in our lives growing up.

“She would come to all of our birthdays, pick us up from school and take us on day trips to the coast, as well as join us on family holidays. As we have grown, we would often meet Nan for a coffee and a catch-up, knowing her door was always open. She took pride in her garden and we would regularly go to help with her latest project, knowing it was the perfect way to spend a much-earned retirement.

“It was a blessing to be in Nan’s company, as she always made you smile with her bubbly personality. Nan’s kindness and wit were the reason that she was so loved by all who had the joy of meeting her; she was a ray of sunshine.

“We are all heartbroken by the void Nan will leave in our lives. There will be no more day trips, no more meeting in town for a coffee, and no more goodnight messages. Nan will never get to watch us get married, meet future great-grandchildren, or appreciate the beautiful garden she worked so hard to create. Nan is the shining light in our family, and her being taken from us will always leave a shadow where she once shone.

“We were fortunate to be blessed with such an amazing and strong woman in our lives and we are all proud to call her our Nanny Cheryl.”

Cheryl was very active in the community, supporting friends with shopping, attending appointments and doing their weekly laundry. She was born in Bradford-on-Avon and lived in Holt before moving to Melksham. At age 18, she began working at Avon Rubber alongside Margaret, who is critically injured and is still fighting for her life in hospital.

Police are continuing to appeal for any CCTV or dash cam footage in the town centre following the incident. A 25-year-old man from Melksham was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drug driving. He is currently on bail whilst the police await evidential samples and carry out further enquiries.

If you can help, please contact SCIT on 01225 694597 quoting log number 141 of September 27.

Alternatively contact the team directly at SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk.