Tributes paid to crash victim (From Witney Gazette)

Tributes paid to crash victim

3:24pm Monday 27th March 2006 in Witney

THE parents of motorbike crash victim Neil Thacker described him as a 'charming, lovely son, who was adored by everyone he met'.

Mr Thacker, 25, from Witney, died after his bike was involved in a crash with a pick-up truck on the A4095 at the junction of Station Road, just north of Bampton, on Sunday, March 19.

His parents, Steve and Ann, and brother Martin, 29, described the former Henry Box pupil as a wonderful son and brother, who lived life to the full.

Mrs Thacker said: "He worked hard and played hard, and was a very well liked lad. He could get on with everybody, and was a bit of a charmer a cheeky chappy.

"I don't think he ever argued with anyone. He had time for everybody, and they had time for him."

Mr Thacker said his son had always lived in Witney, and that he had loved motorbikes since he had become old enough to ride one.

He said: "I had an old scooter, which I bought from a friend, that I gave to him, but it was only 50cc. "He did a basic bike training course, and after starting work, he bought a 125cc bike, before moving on to a 400cc bike. He was a very competent, experienced bike rider, and had never had an accident before."

The family, who live in Curbridge Road, have received more than 200 cards, and were keen to say thank you to everyone who had sent one.

Mrs Thacker said: "It's nice to know he was so well loved. I had a card yesterday from a girl he used to know at school she just said he was always such a lovely chap, and he always used to make her laugh, and everybody loved him.

"We have had people contact us who we did not even know knew him.

"That's why we said we should do a tribute, because he deserves it. He was such a good boy. A generous, loving son, and he deserves something nice said about him."

After finishing Henry Box School, Mr Tucker went on to West Oxfordshire Technology College, before starting an apprenticeship as a plumber at Mick Thompson Heating and Plumbing.

Mrs Thacker added: "He came home one day and said he wanted to be a plumber. He got this job with Mick Thompson, and he never left him.

"They have treated him like a son. They looked after him, and he did his best for them. He was really happy there.

"As for mum and dad and his granny and his brother, we are going to miss him terribly. We are a very close family, and it has made a big hole."

The funeral for Mr Thacker takes place at 12pm on Thursday, March 30, at St Bartholomew's Church, in Ducklington.

The family say they hope the funeral will be a celebration of Mr Thacker's life, and guests have been invited to come in whatever clothes they wish, rather than the normal sombre funeral attire.

Instead of flowers, guests have been asked to make donations to the Oxfordshire Air Ambulance, via the funeral director E Taylor, on 01993 842241.