TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘bubbly and caring’ NHS worker who died after a fatal stabbing shocked a Middlecliffe street last weekend.
Mum-of-three Victoria Woodhall, 31, sustained multiple stab wounds on Sunday, according to police.
At about 5pm, officers were called to Windsor Crescent following reports of a disturbance and concern for safety.
Victoria was pronounced dead at the scene and a man – 40-year-old Craig Woodhall – was charged with murder and remanded into custody.
Victoria, known as Vicky to her friends, was an operating department practitioner at Rotherham Hospital, a job she worked and studied hard for, according to those who paid tribute to her.
“I’ve known Vicky for about 20 years,” said Kelly Sims, 38. “She was so kind and caring and was always there for everyone.
“She always had a smile on her face and I just can’t believe she is gone. One minute it doesn’t seem real, then it’s tearing me up inside, it’s like a nightmare.”
Kelly and another friend, Donna Weatherall, 29, both from Sheffield, created a Go Fund Me page in Victoria’s memory to help pay for funeral costs and to provide for her children.
The pair hoped to raise £8,000 but have already received an outpouring of support and raised more than £7,000 in the first 48 hours since the page was created.
“Vicky worked so hard at university and loved her job at the hospital,” Kelly added.
“She was always there if you needed her. She was an amazing mum, daughter, sister and friend who will be deeply missed by everyone she crossed paths with. She is gone but will never be forgotten.”
Many tributes to Victoria have been made over social media since the news of her death broke on Sunday.
Angela Wood, chief nurse at the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Victoria and she will be greatly missed.
“She was a cherished and much-loved colleague working in our operating theatres.
“Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with her family, friends and theatre colleagues at this time.”
A police spokesperson added: “Victoria was found with stab wounds on Windsor Crescent. She was sadly pronounced dead upon police officers’ arrival. A post-mortem concluded she died from multiple stab wounds.
“Craig Woodhall, formerly of Windsor Crescent, appeared at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with murder. He has been remanded in custody and will appear before Sheffield Crown Court on April 2.”
Anyone with information about Victoria’s death is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 471 of March 29. You can also give information anonymously by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
