Family’s tribute as mum loses fight for life

A 55-year-old woman has lost her fight for life after a collision on Carholme Road, Lincoln, last month.

Maria Cristina Cherino Munoz (known as Cristina Cherino) died from her injuries on Friday, May 30, after being taken to Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, following the collision on Tuesday, May 13.

Tarequl Islam, 32, of Lindum Avenue, Lincoln, was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving and appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on May 15. He is due to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on June 12 when  the charges will be subject to review.

Following Cristina’s death, the family have released the following tribute:

“Cristina was a hugely positive person who always put others before herself.  She came to the United Kingdom 25 years ago to study at Hull University and never returned to her native Spain having made a life for herself here.

“She moved to Lincoln in the early 2000’s to work at the University of Lincoln where she rose to the position of Associate Professor and Programme Leader in the University’s language and International Business School, using her skills to teach Spanish alongside her other commitments.  

“Following the closure of the department at the University, Cristina found a new position at Lincoln County Hospital where she was latterly a ward clerk on Lancaster Ward, where her supportive and happy disposition shone through.  She was well known in the local community and whilst in hospital she received many messages of support.

“Cristina was a caring and loving mother who was always fit and active, and adored exercising with her dogs.  As a mother, she was so protective of her family and friends, and her death has left a huge hole in our lives.  We will take her lessons in life of being happy and positive to heart and will never allow her memory to be forgotten as her spirit lives on within us.”