A REDNAL woman was killed in a horrific car crash on a Greek island, which she used to refer to as 'heaven'.

Sixty-year-old Valerie Towler, of Farmdale Grove, died on Sunday, September 26, in Crete after the jeep her husband was driving, rolled over and threw her and her sister-in-law, Marion Towler, from the car.

Valerie, who worked at the Lickey Lips caf of Lickey Golf Course for 19 years, died almost instantly but smiled at her husband one last time as he held her head.

She suffered massive blood loss and, despite paramedics' efforts, was unable to be revived.

Valerie's family wanted to set the record straight after hearing rumours their mother had been joyriding or standing up in the back of the jeep.

Her youngest son, Matthew Towler, said Valerie had been sitting in the back of the jeep with his auntie Marion of Auxerre Avenue, Redditch.

"We want everyone to know it was not our dad's fault. It was a problem with the car, which is now being investigated," he said.

Marion suffered a catalogue of serious injuries, including breaking her collarbone and puncturing her lung. She is now being looked after at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

"At the moment it is like living in a nightmare. We have had all sorts of problems in getting the body home," said Matthew.

He said the family was completely devastated about Valerie's death.

It is undecided when the funeral will be but the family is hoping it can be held at St John's Church, on Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove.

Valerie had a large family and many friends and about 200 people are expected to pay their tribute.