We've been overwhelmed by kindness after death of our hardworking, funny mam
“People say I’m strong, but it’s a strength I get from my mam, she was the strongest woman I know,” says the daughter of a Sunderland mam-of-two who died on Valentine’s Day.
Diane Jones, 59, from Thorney Close loved dancing and music and had been to see a singer at the popular Dolphin pub on Saturday, February 14, following an afternoon in town with her friend.
Making her way home, shortly before 11pm, she was struck by a black Volvo XC90 as she crossed the A690 Durham Road in Farringdon, near to Arbroath Road.
Diane, who worked two jobs as a cleaner, tragically passed away at the scene, devastating her close-knit family.
It’s a tragedy which has touched the hearts of the city and since the weekend a Go Fund Me page set up to help the family has raised more than £12,000 and counting in two days.
The page was set up by a friend of Diane’s daughter, Hannah Jones, 29, who says the kindness of others has offered some comfort as the family navigate their grief.
“It’s been absolutely incredible and highlights the kindness there is in the world,” said Hannah. “The generosity has been outstanding and as a family we’ve been blown away by it.”
As well as Hannah, Diane also leaves son, Paul, 23, and was also very close to her siblings.
“I spoke to mam every day on the phone,” said Hannah. “She was so funny and a proper character and really, really hardworking.
“People say I’m strong, but it’s a strength I get from my mam, she was the strongest woman I know.”
Speaking about her mam’s fun-loving nature, Hannah said: “She loved dancing and was always first up on the dancefloor. One mouthful of her pint and she was up there. I think that’s what we all remember about her: her love of dancing.”
Earlier this week, Northumbria Police confirmed a man had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and a car had been seized.
Reece Roberts, 27, of Florida Street in Pallion, Sunderland, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving as well as additional offences.
Sergeant Greg Huntley, from Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I can’t begin to imagine the pain that Diane’s loved ones are experiencing – as they process this devastating loss.
“We will do all we can to support them, as we seek answers following the collision. We’re very grateful to those who have come forward to support our investigation to date.
“A man has since been charged in connection with the collision, so we’d urge everyone to respect the legal proceedings and avoid any speculation.
“If you have any further information to share with police, please do not hesitate to get in touch.”
Police officers are still appealing for information as they continue their investigations into the fatal incident.
Anyone with further information or footage are urged to contact Northumbria Police on social media or via the ‘report it’ form on their website.
You can also call 101 and quote reference number: NP-20260214-1176.