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A REDDITCH woman committed to helping young people through education and sport has died after a road traffic collision near Hagley.

Heather Linley, 48, was driving her blue Volkswagen Golf at 7.25pm on Thursday, May 1 along the A491 towards Bromsgrove when she lost control and crossed over the central reservation, colliding with a white Ford Mondeo travelling in the opposite direction.

For the last 10 years she worked at Stourbridge College, latterly in the post of director for quality and improvement, after her teaching career began in North Bromsgrove High School and continued at NEW College.

A family friend said: "Heather was a vibrant, warm and enthusiastic woman who will be sadly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

"The commitment she held for improving the life chances of young people, in all areas of their lives, through formal education and sport, was inclusive and inspirational."

Heather's love of sport began at an early age and hockey, in particular, played a very important part in her life as she represented her school, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire and the Midlands.

A fellow team mate added: "Her passion for the sport and dedication to promoting the talents of young people was evident through the time she devoted to coaching at Centres of Excellence and with several Midlands squads.

"She was president of the Worcestershire Hockey Association and the ladies club captain at Old Silhillians. Her untimely death has left an enormous void in the game."

As a child, Heather was introduced to gardening by her family and throughout her life she enjoyed her gardening hobby, often giving demonstrations to local horticultural groups.

Pc Sian Davies from North Worcestershire's Road Policing Unit said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the dead woman's family.

"We have spoken to some witnesses but would appeal to anyone else who saw the collision or noticed the blue Volkswagen Golf beforehand to get in touch with us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Worcestershire Road Policing Unit on 08457 444888.

11:48am Thursday 8th May 2008

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