The family of a 68-year-old who died in hospital following a crash in west Suffolk have described her as caring, selfless and thoughtful.

Teresa Smith, from Haverhill, died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge earlier this month after she was seriously hurt in a crash on the A143 at Little Wratting in November.

Now relatives of Mrs Smith are leading tributes to her.

In a statement released via Suffolk police, they said: “Teresa was a wife, mum, nanny, friend but most of all a kind, thoughtful, caring and selfless woman.

“Always putting others needs before those of her own.

“Her presence lit up the room in times of joy, spreading cheer, warmth and happiness. They added: “She was always the first one on an empty dance floor. In times of need and sorrow, her calming and compassionate nature brought comfort to those around her.

According to her family Mrs Smith was a keen swimmer, walker and aerobics enthusiast.

They said her energy and abudance for life was seen through her work with charities – she spent every Christmas Day with the homeless.

The statement adds: “She has left a deep void in the lives of all that she touched and will be greatly missed by so many.

“As a family, we would like to make special thanks to the two ladies who assisted at the roadside and the emergency services including the East Anglian Air Ambulance, NCCU Addenbrooke’s and the Arthur Rank Hospice who supported Teresa and the family in her final days.”