12:32 pm, December 10, 2025
An online fund-raising page has been created to support the family of the operations director at Redgate Lodge, whose partner died on Saturday after a suspected hit-and-run.
Claire Laybourne, 39, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, was the partner of the dealership’s operations director Ben Dewar. She has been described as ‘the most loving partner, and an incredible daughter, sister, auntie and friend’.
A GoFundMe page, which has been set up to support Ms Laybourne’s family, had already received 455 donations and raised over £19,000 by Wednesday lunchtime.
The page organisers said: ‘Anyone who knew her – whether you were lucky enough to be a close friend, shared a wild night out back in the day, or ordered one of her incredible cakes – will know what a truly beautiful soul she was, inside and out. Claire literally lit up the room with her energy, laugh and that wicked sense of humour.
‘Her little family were her world, her love for them showing no bounds. She leaves behind the love of her life, Ben, and her beautiful children, Faye and George, who made her so happy every single day. She was THE best Mam, the most loving partner, and an incredible daughter, sister, auntie and friend. Life won’t be the same without her.’
In a statement, Redgate Lodge’s owner Scott Sibley said: ‘At Redgate Lodge, we are heartbroken by the passing of Claire Laybourne. Claire – loving partner to Ben, our operations director, and wonderful mother to Faye and George – was a beautiful soul whose presence lit up every room.
‘The pain Ben and his family are facing is unimaginable, and our thoughts, love and support are with them at this incredibly difficult time.’
Ms Laybourne died from serious injuries on Saturday (Dec 6) after a collision between the Volkswagen T-Roc she was driving and a Skoda Fabia, reported BBC News.
The cars collided on the northbound carriageway of the A19 in Holystone, North Tyneside, at around 10.40pm on Friday.
The driver of the Fabia did not stop at the scene of the accident, and is thought to have fled from the area on foot, heading north, according to information released by Northumbria Police.
The force is appealing for information from anyone who may have seen a 24-reg black Skoda Fabia near the scene.
Three men in their 20s and 30s were later detained following the incident and have since been bailed while investigations continue.
