The family of a woman who was killed in a crash have released a heartbreaking tibute. 

Collette Mead, 59, from Watford was killed in a collision on July 3 on the M25 M40 slip-road.

Mrs Mead's family have released the following statement.

"Collette was a colourful and vibrant soul with so much to offer. She worked so hard and became friends with all of her clients. She loved giving everything she could to anybody she could and, as cliché as it sounds, really did put everybody else before herself.

"Collette’s infectious laugh and loving heart were a true testament to her joyous personality. She was and still is incredibly loved and cherished by her whole family and will leave a gaping hole behind. We will always remember with special fondness, for her love of dancing, the Pink Panther, swimming and the great outdoors.

"We are devastated by our loss and incredibly overwhelmed by the love, support and kindness we have received over the past week; she clearly made a huge impact on everybody from her husband to the local checkout cashier.

"Whilst we are deeply saddened and grieving; we will continue to honour her wishes and live our lives each day to the fullest. She really was the sunshine of our lives, and we hope one day that the Sun may rise again.

"We request that our privacy is respected during this difficult time."

Thames Valley Police launched an investigation following the fatal collision which took place on July 3.

Between 10.10am and 10.15am, a black Mini was travelling along the exit slip between the M25 anticlockwise and the London-bound M40.

Police say the car left the road, hitting a tree.

Mrs Mead, the driver of the Mini, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Shortly after the crash, Sergeant Mark Gawthrop, of the joint operations roads policing unit, based at Taplow, Buckinghamshire, said: "We are appealing for witnesses following this incident in which a woman has sadly died.

"Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.

"We are carrying out a thorough investigation and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed this collision or anyone who may have dash-cam footage of the incident to please get in touch."

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 43200200317.