A Formula One grid girl who rubbed shoulders with Lewis Hamilton died in a terrifying crash last week after her BMW smashed into a wall.
Kate Woodcock, 30, lost control of her car on Chester Road near Sutton Coldfield on Thursday night, around five miles from her home in Aldridge. Nothing could be done to save her.
A JustGiving page set up to raise £4,000 to help towards Ms Woodcock’s funeral costs is already £800 over its target after more than 100 supporters donated.
Kate Woodcock, 30, (pictured in a social media photo and right, at F1) lost control of her car on Chester Road near Sutton Coldfield on Thursday night
Grid girls could be placed with any driver on any given day, but for two years Ms Woodcock regularly worked for Hamilton.
Speaking about the role earlier this year, Ms Woodcock told The Sun: ‘I did it because I wanted to do it and loved it.
‘It’s professional and nobody crossed the line once. More stuff probably goes on in an office. There was only me and another girl that were British.
‘I was booked because I was intelligent, well-spoken, hard-working and those elements go into the whole package.
‘There’s a lot of work people don’t see in these roles.
‘You have to learn how to walk down the grid, how to hold your flag and the boards for the formations – there’s a lot of training that goes into it.’
Responding to her death, modelling agency SDMPE tweeted: ‘We’d like to take the time out to pay a special tribute to Kate Woodcock.
‘We’re deeply shocked and saddened to loose such a lovely, beautiful girl and an exceptional model who shined very bright always.’
Grid girls could be placed with any driver on any given day, but for two years Ms Woodcock regularly worked for Hamilton
Ms Woodcock is seen in this photo (red circle) at a F1 event next to Lewis Hamilton, who she worked alongside several times
Bouquets with messages were left at the site (inset) where the model was declared dead by paramedics
The amount raised in Ms Woodcock’s memory stood at more than £4,700 this morning.
Organiser Lucy Ford wrote: ‘On 27 September 2018 our lives were turned upside down when we tragically lost Kate.
‘Kate was a beautiful special girl who will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her.
‘We hope to raise funds towards the cost of her funeral and give her the send-off she deserves. Many thanks for all your love and support xxxx’
A notice posted by Lucy Ford on the online fundraiser read: ‘On 27 September 2018 our lives were turned upside down when we tragically lost Kate.
‘Kate was a beautiful special girl who will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her.
‘We hope to raise funds towards the cost of her funeral and give her the send off she deserves. Many thanks for all your love and support xxxx’
Speaking about her role earlier this year, Ms Woodcock said: ‘I did it because I wanted to do it and loved it’
Tributes were left to Ms Woodcock at the scene of the crash, including this one addressed to ‘my beautiful sister’
Another message read: ‘I’m going to miss you so much!! Such a kind and caring person with such a happy soul’
Bouquets with messages were left at the site where the 30-year-old model from Aldridge was declared dead by paramedics.
One message said: ‘My beautiful sister, I love you so much. I am going to miss you! Too young, too early to go, life will never be the same. Love you.’
A poignant note, decorated with butterflies, said: ‘My beautiful friend, I’m going to miss you so much !! Such a kind and caring person with such a happy soul.
‘We’ve shared lots of good times. I’m gutted you’re no longer with us. I’ll never forget you. Love Emily.’
Kate modeled for magazines and worked at various Birmingham PR events.
A modelling agency she had previously worked for paid tribute to the ‘beautiful girl.’ Alongside it, they shared an image of Kate posing in a wedding dress.
Grid girls were axed by Formula 1 over sexism concerns earlier this year.
A JustGiving page set up to raise £4,000 to help towards Ms Woodcock’s funeral costs is already £800 over its target after more than 100 supporters donated