A woman who was run over by a reversing van in Melksham is to have her life support withdrawn this morning (Thursday).
Cheryl Decarteret, and her closest friend Margaret Shaw, were hit by the vehicle as they attempted to cross Lowbourne at around 1.30pm on Saturday (27 September).
Police initially believed the pensioners, 70s, sustained serious by not life-threatening injuries. However, their condition deteriorated and they are fighting for their lives.
Speaking to Wiltshire 999s, Cheryl’s daughter Hayley Charman Decarteret confirmed that they family are preparing to say their goodbyes at 11am, when doctors turn off life support.
She said: ‘My family are absolutely heartbroken that tomorrow the life support is being withdrawn for our mum, Cheryl Decarteret.
‘Tomorrow will be the last time we ever get to see or talk to her. We will never get to celebrate another Christmas or birthday.
‘Mum was known and loved by so many around Melksham, she will leave a massive void in so many lives. We as a family are broken.’
She added that Margaret – Cheryl’s friend of 60 years – remains in critical condition.
Hayley is ‘pleading and begging’ anyone with information about the collision to contact police.
‘If you know anything please be brave enough to come forward… how insignificant you think it may be’, she said.
A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and dangerous driving. He has been released on bail while enquiries into the crash continue.
PC Leigh Mayhew, from Wiltshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT) is asking for witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident, to contact the force.
He said: “This is a really serious incident which has left two elderly women fighting for their lives in hospital.
“We are really keen to hear from anyone who might have captured CCTV or Dash Cam footage of the incident to help with the investigation.
“A number of witnesses were also spoken to at the scene but it’s believed there may be other witnesses who were perhaps driving by who we haven’t spoken with yet.
“It’s really important that if you witnessed what happened or have any footage that you come forward.
“If you can help, please contact SCIT on 01225 694597 quoting log number 141 of September 27. Alternatively, they can contact the team directly at [email protected].”
- Photographs of Cheryl and Margaret have been provided by Cheryl’s daughter, and have been published with permission.
