Family pay tribute to Northampton mum-of-two Michelle Tiller as "the kindest person you could ever hope to meet"
Michelle Tiller died more than two weeks after a crash in Northampton
The family of a Northampton mum-of-two who died following a crash have described her as "the kindest person you could ever hope to meet".
Michelle Tiller, who was 44, was riding a black pedal cycle when it was in a crash with the driver of a black Volvo V60 in Lindsay Avenue, Northampton.
It happened at the junction with Broadway East at about 8.25am on Tuesday 1st September.
Michelle was taken to University Hospital Coventry, but died just over two weeks later on Thursday 17th September.
She leaves behind her husband Robert and their two children, Riley and Cameron, as well as her mum Glennis, dad Jim, sisters Maxine and Natalie, step-mum Carol, auntie Christine, nephews Ben and Toby, nieces Charlie, Eleanor and Alice, and great-nephew Arthur.
Michelle and Robert went to the same school and first met on a night out at the age of 19.
After being together for 23 years and welcoming their two boys, Riley, now aged 20, and Cameron, now aged 15, the pair got married just over a year ago.
Robert has written a tribute to his "best friend" and "greatest supporter".
He said: "Michelle grew up in Blackthorn in Northampton, and from the age of 13, when she got her first horse, she found a passion that stayed with her throughout her life. Horses were never just a hobby to Michelle; they were part of who she was.
"Michelle was one of the kindest people you could ever hope to meet. She was supportive, patient and endlessly caring towards everyone around her. She always put others before herself and was the sort of person people naturally turned to when they needed help, comfort or encouragement.
"She was a wonderful mother who loved her two sons with all her heart. If anything, she could be a little softer than me when it came to the boys, but that's mums for you, isn't it? Her love, kindness and understanding made her the centre of our family.
"Michelle loved any excuse to have a sing and a dance. Rhythm may not have been her strongest talent, but that never stopped her. She threw herself into everything with enthusiasm, bringing laughter and happiness wherever she went.
"Fourteen years ago, when my disabilities became more challenging, Michelle stepped up without hesitation. Alongside looking after me, she continued working in supported living, caring for others as she always did. She still managed the stables she loved and travelled everywhere by bicycle. She was incredibly fit, determined and hardworking, never complaining despite everything she took on.
"She also shared a very special bond with our Springer Spaniel, Luna. The two of them were inseparable. They loved agility training together and even took part in a competition earlier this year. Luna was such an important part of Michelle's life that she joined us on our honeymoon and our anniversary trip to a cottage in Stoke Bruerne. I might not have had much say in the matter, but Luna coming along was completely non-negotiable, and that always made me smile.
"Michelle was fun-loving and genuinely happy. After the incident, one of the things that has stood out the most from the messages people have sent is how warm, friendly and joyful she was. I have received so many messages from people who have spoken of her kindness and the positive impact she had on their lives. Michelle just had a special way of making everyone feel welcome, valued and cared for.
"Although we were together for 23 years before we finally got married, Michelle made me the happiest and luckiest man in the world. She was my best friend, my partner and my greatest supporter.
"We should have had many more years together. Michelle always dreamed that one day we would be that old couple, walking hand in hand down the street. I only wish we had been given the chance to grow old together and share those extra years she so wished for.
"Michelle's love, kindness, devotion and laughter will stay with all of us forever. She was deeply loved, she will be deeply missed, and we will speak of her every day to remind ourselves of how lucky we were to be the ones she loved."
An 80-year-old man from Northampton has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and released on police bail pending further investigation.
Officers from Northamptonshire Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit want to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, or who may have CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage of it, or of the moments leading up to it.
Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] , call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615, or contact Northamptonshire Police on 101.