The family of a 78-year-old woman have said they are "desperately sad" after she died following a crash. 

Emergency services, including three air ambulances, were called to Fordham Road in Newmarket at about 4.20pm on Sunday, May 5. 

The East of England Ambulance Service declared a critical incident as a result of the collision. 

The collision involved a silver Honda CR-V and a blue Ford Puma.

Eileen Spanner, 78, of Fulbourn in Cambridgeshire, was a passenger in the Ford and died in Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge on Tuesday, May 7.

In a statement, her family said: “Eileen was a very much-loved mother of two daughters and nana to four grandchildren, who she adored.  She was a loved sister, auntie and partner.  

East Anglian Daily Times: Eileen SpannerEileen Spanner (Image: Cambridgeshire Police)

“She had a very special relationship with each of her grandchildren.  

“Eileen spent most of her life in Surrey, where she had family and lifelong close friends, and moved to Cambridge eight years ago to be near her elder daughter and was really enjoying her new life.

“She had fantastic neighbours and had made some wonderful friends.

“Eileen loved playing bridge, was a member of a walking group and also loved going on holidays in the UK. She was fun, funny, always laughing and always ready to help anyone in need.

“We are all desperately sad and shocked that she has been taken from us far too early and in such an awful, sudden way and that we will not have her in our lives.

"She will be missed by everyone who knew her.”

The driver and four passengers in the Honda, including two children, were also taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where they continue to be treated for serious injuries. 

The Ford driver was also taken to Addenbrooke’s with serious injuries, where he remains.

A 37-year-old man, from Wicken, has been charged with six counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving with no insurance. 

He will next appear at Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday, June 4.