THE two sons of a woman who died in an accident near their home have paid tribute to their “wonderful, amazing and beautiful” mother.

Julie Gough, 52, and her partner, Dave Tinker, 50, had just got off a Coastliner double-decker bus and were crossing the A64 when they were hit by a black Renault minibus.

It was travelling westbound towards York, just before midnight on Saturday, May 13. The couple, who lived in Crambeck, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Julie’s sons, Declan, 21, and 17-year-old Jamie, said their lives had been devastated.

Declan said: “Mum was the most wonderful amazing beautiful person who would always put me and my brother before anything else.

“She helped me and supported me through everything; whether it was my music and always coming to gigs I did, in bands or on my own, or coming with me and driving me countless hours up and down the country to see the best specialists out there and get me the best possible treatment I could get for my lymphoedema, helping me through absolutely everything, and I can never properly thank her enough for that.

“As well as a million other things I could mention about her, for my 21st in December last year, she bought tickets to take me to White Hart Lane and see Spurs, the team I have supported for years, for the very first time. They were not easy to get, and not cheap either, but she knew how much it meant to me, and that’s the kind of person she was.”

Declan added: “Dave was practically a dad to me after living with us for so long and quickly became a huge part of our family. We’d always make jokes at each other and have a laugh. He was one of the kindest, funniest, most generous people I’ve ever met and I loved that he made my mum so happy, and I’m so incredibly proud and privileged to have known him.”

Jamie said: “This is the toughest thing I have ever had to go through in my life, me and my brother are staying strong and we’d like to thank everyone who has reached out to offer support.

“Anybody who knew my mum or Dave would know what amazing people they were.

“They were funny, caring and understanding, I couldn’t have asked for better role models in life.

“Dave, has been there not only for me and my brother but for my mum, he made her so happy and he was always someone I looked up to and I have no doubt in my mind that they were perfect for each other.

“I’ll miss getting shouted at and I’ll miss the way they used to nag me to do something till I gave in.

“I’ll make them proud no matter what. Nothing in this world can bring them back and that is what hurts, I’ll never forget mum and Dave and I hope they are watching Gogglebox with a G&T upstairs just like they used to do. I love them both with all my heart.”

Police have urged anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has any information, to phone 101, select option two, and ask for Emma Drummond or Mark Mullins or email emma.drummond@north yorkshire.pnn.police.uk.