Family devastated after tragedy

The brother of a Shrewsbury man who died in hospital after he was struck by a car today spoke of the family's devastation over his death.

Simon Jones, 40, from Bicton Heath, died at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on Friday after the accident in Welshpool Road last Wednesday night.

Today one of Simon's brothers Paul, 30, spoke of the family's heartbreak at his death.

He said: "It's devastating and hasn't really hit home. It was a very sad loss to the community in general.

"We're never going to actually ever come to terms with the fact Simon is not here any more but all we can do is try to live in the way Simon would and enjoy every minute that we can.

"We wish he would get up and it would be a bad dream but we know that isn't going to happen. I suppose the funeral is the time when it will really hit home that we won't see him again."

Simon worked in a managerial role with a local firm that looks after disadvantaged children.

He was born in Harlescott and went to Harlescott Grange Secondary School and Shrewsbury Sixth Form College. After college he moved to London when he trained as a plasterer before returning to Shrewsbury.

He joined a care firm, starting as a care worker before training to be a manager. After taking some time off he had recently returned in a managerial role.

He was well known at the Britannia Pub where he enjoyed meeting friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.

Paul said: "He was a very genuine, intelligent person. He was very thoughtful about other people's feelings and would always find a good thing to say about any situation, and would look on the bright side."

Mr Jones's funeral will take place at Emstrey Crematorium at 10am on December 5. The family would welcome flowers but any donations should be made to the Severn Hospice, where Simon's late father worked. Simon leaves his mum Irene, brothers Paul, Will and Stephen and sister Gemma.

By John Kirk