Fundraising appeal for family of pregnant mum who died in M66 motorway crash reaches milestone

A fundraising appeal for the family of a pregnant mum who died after a motorway crash which left two young children in a coma has topped £35,000, it was revealed today.

Frankie Hough, 38, had been travelling southbound on the M66 motorway, near Bury, at the time of the crash at around 3.10pm on Saturday. She was with her two young children, nine-year-old Tommy and two-year-old Rocky, and her four-year-old nephew, Tobias, at the time.

Frankie, who was pregnant, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injurie, but tragically died on Monday as a result of her injuries, police confirmed as a man appeared in court charged in connection with the collision.

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In the aftermath of the crash, one of Frankie’s best friends set up an appeal on GoFundMe, which has now raised a total of more than £36,000 as family, friends and complete strangers rally round following the tragedy.

“Life can be turned upside down in the blink of an eye,” said the GoFundMe blurb.

Two of the children were taken to hospital with serious injuries, and one with minor injuries.

Adil Iqbal, 22, appeared in the dock at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon wearing a grey tracksuit. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Mr Iqbal, of Hope Street, Accrington, Lancashire, is charged with one offence of causing death by dangerous driving and two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a collision.

No pleas were entered during the brief hearing.

The case was adjourned for a preliminary hearing to be heard at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court on June 19. Mr Iqbal was remanded into custody until the next hearing.

Robin Lynch, prosecuting at the hearing, confirmed in court: “The driver is now deceased. There were three young children in the vehicle, two of those young children are in an induced coma.”

In a statement issued after the court hearing, Greater Manchester Police appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The force said: “Sadly, the 38-year-old woman died in hospital today (Monday 15 May) as a result of her injuries.

“Her family and loved ones are currently being supported by specialist officers and support services at this incredibly difficult time.

“Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses, dash cam footage and information, and wish to extend thanks to those who have already made contact.

“Information can be shared by calling GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 2254 of 13/05/2023.”

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