FAMILY members of Fairford man John Barnes, who lost his life in a collision at Upper Inglesham, are praying for his wife as she remains in a serious condition.

John, 77, died along with 23-year-old Ollie Williams in the collision north of Highworth last month. Travelling alongside him was wife Kathleen, who was seriously injured and taken to John Radcliffe Hospital.

Now their children are keeping a bedside vigil and hoping for good news after the double tragedy.

Yesterday they said: “We, as a family, are completely devastated by the loss of John and we are struggling to deal with the void he has left in our lives.

“John’s beloved wife Kathleen, aged 77, was also in the car with him at the time of the collision, and she remains in a serious condition in John Radcliffe Hospital.

“We are praying that she pulls through and are keeping a bedside vigil.

“John was a very well-known and much-loved member of his local community and was still very active as a company director of Barnes Removals – a long-established company based in Fairford, which he ran alongside his son Martin.

“He also has three daughters – Carole, Angie and Susan, who he loved dearly, as well as grandchildren.

He was a much-loved grandfather and loved spending time with his family.

“We would like to thank everybody, including friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and members of the community, who have shown us overwhelming support and kindness since that tragic day.

“We are focusing as much as we can on our mother, and praying that she finds the strength to make a full recovery.”

Funeral arrangements for Mr Barnes have yet to be formally announced.