TRIBUTES have been paid to a hard-working and popular Dorking woman who died in an accident as she drove to the job she loved.
Nursery nurse Shelby Boarer, of Hart Road, was killed when her Nissan Micra collided with a Ford Focus on the A24 between Capel and Kingsfold at around 7.29am last Thursday.
The 20-year-old was on her way to work at Giggles nursery in Horsham at the time.
This week, friends and family members told the Advertiser of their devastation at the loss of a "loud and bright" woman who made everyone feel special.
Her mother, Tina Collis, said: "She was an amazing person, and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mum. Everybody thought it. She loved everybody and everybody loved her back. She was a bright and bubbly girl who was so full of life and colour.
"Wherever she went she filled up the space that she was in."
Miss Collis and her partner of 16 years, Des Brennan, said Shelby – who lived at the family home with her boyfriend of three-and-a-half years, Rob Wickens – had been an inspirational figure who battled dyslexia to qualify as a nursery nurse.
Mr Brennan said: "The number of award nights we went to where she was given certificates for effort and achievement meant more to us than the qualification itself. That kid was the hardest worker and the most determined young lady."
David Blow, head teacher of Shelby's former school, Ashcombe, said: "We were all shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news. Shelby was very popular and had a lovely personality. She worked very hard, and took full advantage of the opportunities and support on offer.
"Her brothers and sister are former and current pupils and our thoughts are with them and her family. We will greatly miss her."
Jackie Johnston, principal of The College of Richard Collyer in Horsham, said: "Shelby was a hugely popular and much loved student at Collyer's."
Miss Collis added: "We have been totally gobsmacked at how many people's lives she touched. We have been getting messages and flowers and comments from so many friends and colleagues. We're completely blown away by it. We have been to see the children at the nursery and they are absolutely devastated because they adored her.
"She loved the children and all she ever wanted was to be a mummy. She was born to be a mummy and she has mothered all of us all her life."
Shelby leaves behind her sister Rosie, 17, twin brothers Harry and Dean, 24, father Mark, stepmother Linda, stepbrother Stephen and stepsister Jemma.
The other driver involved in the collision, a 49-year-old man from Horsham, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. His condition is being described as stable.
Shelby's funeral will take place at Randalls Park Crematorium in Leatherhead on Wednesday at 4.15pm. Family flowers only are requested, with donations to the Giggles nursery in Horsham. Mourners are asked to wear Shelby's favourite colours, blue and purple.
