Tributes pour in for Iman Zainab Javed, 11, who died in a tragic crash on the M61 at Walton Summit

She has been named as Iman Zainab Javed from who was sitting in the back of a Volkswagen Sharan which was struck from behind.

Iman’s father Javed Iqbal was also seriously injured and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The collision happened at Junction nine of the M61 on the January 23 at approximately 10.30pm.

Iman’s mum Khaldah said she was a blessing from Allah who touched the hearts of everyone she met.

In a statement the family, who are from Rochdale, said: “She was a beautiful, caring, fun-loving, inquisitive and sometimes cheeky young girl. She loved baking and cooking and wanted to learn sewing.

“Iman could play patiently for hours with her younger baby cousins but she could also tell you the impact Brexit had on the pound! She had her GSCE’S planned and wanted to study medicine.

“Iman enjoyed shopping and was very good at picking out items for birthdays, baby showers or weddings. She was looking forward to the SAT’s in the summer and the pink limo she wanted on the last day of school.

“Iman had a particularly special bond with her three year old cousin Aaima Vasim who suffers from a serious heart condition. Iman’s last act in this world was to help Aaima out of the vehicle to safety.”

Iman’s sister Saania, 15, spoke on behalf of all her siblings and said: “She was the best sister anyone could ask for.”

Iman’s aunts Zahdah and Shahida added: “She will always be our baby girl and she leaves behind a lifetime of precious memories. Iman will always be in our hearts.”

Javed is described as a gentle and loving man with a heart of gold who absolutely adored his youngest baby Iman.

Linda Cotton, headteacher of Norden Community Primary School where Iman was a pupil, said: “We have all suffered a tremendous shock at the death, in such tragic circumstances.

“Iman was a first class student and such a bright, intelligent girl. She always worked hard in school and was a very popular and well-liked pupil.

“We are struggling to come to terms with her death and are planning to do something in the future to remember her as the special girl that she was.”

Iman’s best friend Mia Kelly, 11, said: “She is everything you could ever want in a best friend. Kindness, thoughtfulness, she was always there for me when I needed her. I love you Iman. You are always in our hearts.”

The family added that they were overwhelmed and “so grateful for the prayers and best wishes which have been received from family and friends across the world for Javed’s speedy recovery and appreciated the care given by the Royal Preston Hospital and Wythenshawe Hospital.”

They also thanked the Police, Fire and Ambulance services who did all they could.

Iman leaves behind her mum Khaldah, dad Javed, her twin brother Rehan, 11 and other siblings Usman, 18, Mariyah, 19 and Saania, 15.

A Just Giving page has been set up on behalf of the family. Money collected will go to to Royal Preston Hospital and Wythenshawe Hospital. See justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Emaan