TRIBUTES have been paid to a loving mother and wife, sportswoman and much-valued member of Warwickshire police, who died in a road collision while taking part in a cycling time trial.

Catherine Mary Ward, 52, died as a result of a road traffic collision on the A46 near Bidford on Avon on Wednesday evening.

Catherine, known to her friends as Cath, leaves a husband Martin and two grown up daughters, Fiona and Louise and also a brother, Norman.

The family have requested privacy at this difficult time to help them come to terms with Cath’s death.

Her husband Martin said: “Cath was a very caring and loving wife and mother, and sister to brother Norman.

"She never gave less than 100 per cent to those people and issues she cared about. Her first priority was to care for her family, in particular her two daughters, Louise and Fiona, myself, and also our dog Monty, who came a close third.

“Secondly, Cath cared passionately about her work, both for the police force and previously, and unfortunately ironically, for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) where we met. Her caring nature was a perfect match for public service.

“Thirdly, Cath was a superb all round amateur sports woman. She had played junior tennis for Somerset as a girl and for Darlington Ladies cricket team whilst a student. Following her move to Solihull, she played a season of hockey for the Old Silhillians, ran two London Marathons, played a good standard of golf at Widney Mano GC, was captain of Dorridge CC’s first ladies cricket team, coaching the youngsters on Friday evenings.

“Two years ago she took up cycling and joined Solihull CC. She really loved her cycling. She cycled from London to Paris for charity, she cycled in northern Spain, she cycled in Croatia, she cycled in Majorca, she cycled in the Pyrenees. She was Solihull CC’s top female time-trialist and it is such a tragedy that something she enjoyed so much should result in the premature ending of her life.

“Her whole family are devastated, as are her friends and work colleagues, so many of whom have been so supportive to us at this most difficult time.”

Fellow cricketer Carol Hughes said: “Cath was an inaugural member and first captain of the Dorridge Ladies Cricket Team. The team formed in the spring of 2006 and Cath was an obvious choice for captain. She had played at university, and though a little rusty and not as mobile as some, she soon showed that the game came naturally to her.

"In the team's first season in 2007, she led us through nine matches, winning four of them. In the 20:20 format she excelled as a batsman and as a bowler was an accurate wicket taker. The following year Cath handed on the captaincy to Jane James, but still played for the team. Her last outing with us was in April 2009 in a match against Warwick University.

“Cath was involved with the junior coaching at Dorridge Cricket Club in 2007 and held a Level 1 Coaching certificate."

Carol added “Cath's love of cycling grew, to the detriment of her cricket as it was easier on the joints! She still kept in touch with the team, joining in with our social events and encouraging us for our matches. She will be sorely missed.”

Commenting on the news of Cath’s death, deputy chief constable Andy Parker said: “Cath worked for Warwickshire Police in a number of roles, each of which helped to protect communities from harm.

"She first joined as a press officer in 1995, being promoted to senior press officer, before serving as staff officer to the chief constable.

"Most recently Cath was working to support a major investigation into the deaths of four firefighters in south Warwickshire and, in everything she did, she was enthusiastic, professional and dedicated.”

“Cath was a professional journalist having studied journalism at Darlington College and received an Advanced Diploma in Public Sector PR.

“Prior to joining Warwickshire Police, she worked for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents for seven years where she met her husband.

“She also worked for the RNIB, Mid Somerset News and BBC Radio Newcastle.

“Throughout her life, Cath had a love of sport and participated in running, cycling and cricket, the latter of which she played competitively and provided coaching to young players.

“Cath’s career in police communications was distinguished by two national awards for excellence. The first, in 2006, recognised her work to support the investigation into the death of Baby Lilly, whose body was found by the River Alne, between Great Alne and Aston Cantlow in May that year. Cath and press office colleagues were ‘highly commended’ by the National Association of Police Public Relations Officers.

“Cath was also a member of the communications team that dealt with the murder of Hell’s Angel Gerry Tobin on the M40 motorway in August 2007. The team received the top award – ‘Excellence in Operational Response’ for their handling of the media and public interest and support to the investigation that led to seven members of a rival motorcycle group being convicted of Mr Tobin’s murder.

“Cath, who had also been commended by the chief constable for her work during the past 15 years, lived in Dorridge, near Solihull, until recently moving to Claverdon and leaves a husband and two grown up children.

“Cath was a committed work colleague, and a true friend and an inspiration to many. She will be sorely missed."

Speaking on behalf of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents who’s mission is to save lives and reduce injuries, Janice Cave, director of public affairs said “Cathy Ward was an extremely popular member of RoSPA staff and a first class press officer.

"She was always passionate about road safety and made a great contribution to RoSPA’s efforts.

"She made many broadcasts on drink driving, speeding and child safety.

"She ran her first London marathon while on the staff.

“We are greatly saddened by the news of her death.”

Any witnesses to the collision are please asked to contact senior investigating officer acting inspector 1628 Adrian Davis on 01926 415415.

*Cath Ward had a great influence on so many people's lives. We would welcome any tributes people might like to leave on our website. Please click on the comment button or, alternatively, email helen.clarke@midlands.newsquest.co.uk.