Frankie Hough, 38, found out she was pregnant a week before dying in M66 crash that left sons, 2 & 9, fighting for life
THE mum who tragically died in a horror cash on the M66 only found out she was pregnant a week before.
Frankie Hough, from Chadderton in Oldham, was driving southbound on the motorway near Bury when the collision happened at around 3.10pm on May 13.
She was with her two young sons, nine-year-old Tommy and two-year-old Rocky, as well as her nephew Tobias, four.
The mum died in hospital on May 15 as a result of her injuries.
Both Tommy and Tobias are in induced comas in hospital and are continuing to “fight”.
Rocky suffered minor injuries and is now being looked after by loved ones.
Not only does she leave behind her two sons but her partner Calvin, her parents Julia and Frank, her sister Becci Welby and Arron Welby, her brother-in-law.
Frankie had discovered she was pregnant with a baby girl the week before her tragic death.
Her family have now paid a heartfelt tribute to the 38-year-old, saying she was a “shining light”.
In a tribute on behalf of her family, Arron told the Manchester Evening News: “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.”
Arron said Frankie would now be “shining down” on her son and nephew as they continued to fight for life in hospital.
He described his son Tobias, Frankie’s nephew, as a “little warrior”.
Arron said the family didn’t yet know what the outcome would be when he woke up but revealed he had suffered “head trauma” and added he was a “strong boy”.
Tommy is said to be “making good progress” but remains in an induced coma and his dad is at 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 also thanked the first responders who were “amazing and professional” and also the teams at Manchester Royal Infirmary who are caring for the boys and at Royal Preston Hospital who looked after for Frankie.
A GoFundMe page set up to help the family has already raised more than £41,000.
Anyone who wants to donate can do so here.
Adil Iqbal, from 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 on May 15 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 set to take place on June 19.
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.
Information can be shared by calling GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident 2254 of May 13, 2023, or online using the report tool on the force’s website.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.