A driver stuck for more than 11 hours in traffic chaos after a double lorry smash on the M25 yesterday put her time to good use by collecting petition signatures from stranded motorists.

Helen May, aunt of three-year-old abuse victim Tony Hudgell, walked among the cars and lorries on the Essex side of the Queen Elizabeth II river crossing approach road to ask drivers and passengers for their support of her sister's campaign calling for tougher punishment for child cruelty crimes.

Little Tony suffered such horrific injuries at the hands of his natural parents when he was just 41 days old that he later had to have both legs amputated.

His adoptive mum Paula Hudgell, Helen's sister, is now fighting for an increase in the maximum sentences handed down to those convicted of such abuse and cruelty.

Helen, 48, was heading from Southend to her home in Thamesmead in south east London when she came to a standstill on the busy motorway.

Two HGVs had collided shortly before 3pm near junction 31 of the M25 at Thurrock. One lorry ended up on its side on an embankment and the air ambulance attended.

It was while Helen was stationary in her Vauxhall Corsa that she remembered the copies of the petition in her bag and seized the chance to gain more signatures.

"I phoned Paula to check she was ok with me speaking to people in the jam," said Helen.

"I was running up to vehicles and getting people to sign before running back to my car to move it a couple of feet and then doing it all again.

"Everyone must have thought I was crazy but they were lovely and friendly once they knew what I was doing.

"They were really chatty and friendly and some had even heard about Tony. I got about 90 signatures, and lots even asked if me and Paula could start a petition about the traffic problems on the M25 and at the crossing!"

Helen's nephew Tony, affectionately nicknamed Bear, was left with his life-changing injuries after his parents Tony Smith and Jody Simpson inflicted eight horrific fractures to his tiny body.

Some were caused by them swinging their young son by his foot.

Smith and Simpson were both convicted in February at Maidstone Crown Court in Kent of causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child, and of child cruelty after they delayed seeking medical help for his injuries for up to 10 days.

The vile pair, then aged 47 and 24, were each jailed for 10 years, the maximum sentence currently permitted by law.

Tony's adoptive mum Paula, 50, now wants that increased, as well as the maximum of 14 years imprisonment for causing or allowing the death of a child, and has enlisted the support of her MP.

Helen finally reached home at 2.30am, more than 12 hours after she set off.

A very proud Paula, from Kings Hill in Kent, said: "Helen is the most amazing, supportive sister anyone could ask for.

"She is always there for family first and adores our little Bear.

"I'd also like to thank everyone who despite being in their own traffic nightmare thought of us and signed the petition. We are so grateful."

Earlier this week, it was revealed Smith had been brutally attacked with metal bars and socks filled with tuna cans by inmates in his cell at HMP Swaleside in Kent.

The incident on August 7 has been referred to police.

To sign the petition, click here.