Tribute to ‘lovely’ crossword enthusiast who died after being hit by a Royal Mail van

Tributes have been paid to a ‘lovely lady’ who died after being hit by a Royal Mail van in Hanham.

Nancy Valentine, aged 90, was struck by the van in the residential street of Birdwood on July 15, at around 1pm. She was taken to hospital, but sadly died a week later.

Today (July 29), Avon and Somerset Police have named her and released a tribute from a neighbour. She had no living family.

Neighbour Steve Shaddick said: “Nancy was an active 90-year-old lady. She lived alone and looked after herself and her beloved cat, Poppy, who she adored.

“She kept a diary as she had done for many years, making an entry every day about the weather and her activities. She loved crosswords, puzzles and did a lot of reading.

“She regularly won crossword contests and had a good circle of loyal friends who helped her out when needed.”

Mr Shaddick said Nancy lived with her mother whom she looked after until she passed away.

He added: “She was a lady set in her ways, independent and got on with life. She was a lovely elderly lady and she will be sadly missed.”

An investigation into the fatal collision is still ongoing, and police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen or have footage from a dashcam or doorbell/CCTV of the incident.