News Beat
Cold-water dip held in memory of Vicki and Dawn in Smithills
Their deaths have devastated the community, with floral tributes being left close to where they died after being struck by a car in Smithills.
This morning, December 24, members of the Bolton Bluetits gathered at Smithills for a moving open water dip tribute, celebrating the lives of Vicki and Dawn, who they loved and swam alongside.
The Bluetits, an inclusive social swimming community, braved bitter winds and icy water in their honour.
The swim took place just two days after the tragic incident that occurred on Monday, December 22, at around 7.40am.
Emergency services were called to reports of a collision at the junction of Scout Road, Smithills Dean Road, Colliers Row Road and Coal Pit Road.
Both women were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
One of the women has since been named as 59-year-old retired NHS worker and Green Party candidate Vicki Attenborough.
Her family described her as a dearly loved wife, mother, daughter and friend who “touched the lives of everyone around her”.
The identity of the other woman has not yet been formally released, but tributes across the community have remembered “Vicki and Dawn” together.
Smithills councillor Susan Priest spoke of her heartbreak at the news, both as a councillor and a friend.
She said: “Myself, Roger Hayes, and Garry Veevers, as Smithills Councillors, were devastated at the news of the two ladies, Dawn and Vicki, who were killed at the top of Smithills Dean Road.
“To hear that two local people had been killed in such tragic circumstances was awful.
“When I then heard it was Vicki who lived on my street for years I cried.
“We shared many a New Year between our houses hosting parties with the neighbours.
“As a fellow dipper, I know how exhilarating cold water swimming is and it was something they both loved.
“Vicki was a fellow activist and a lady who stood up for what she believed in, and I loved her for it.
“We would talk politics and shared a lot of common views.
“She was amazing when she stood for local MP, she held her ground professionally and I told her so.
“My heart goes out to both families; they had so many years ahead of them and will be sorely missed.
“This morning a tribute ‘dip’ was held by the Bolton Bluetits and many souls braved the cold and the wind in celebration of their lives.
“I am sure that both lovely ladies would have loved it.”
As the community continues to mourn, flowers and moving messages speak to the lasting impact Vicki and Dawn had on those around them.
The driver of a VW Polo that hit the two women was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving on Monday.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed yesterday, December 23, that the 19-year-old man had been bailed under investigation.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing for information.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “We are asking for anyone with information, or who may have been in the area at the time the incident occurred, to please come forward.
“This also includes anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage of it.”
Residents can contact the SCIU directly on 0161 856 4741, or via the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 507 of 22/12/2025.
Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
