A GRANDMOTHER is fighting for her life after being seriously injured in the crash which killed her husband.

John Barnes, 76, and his wife Kathleen, 77, from Fairford, were involved in a four-car pile-up on the A361 in Upper Inglesham on September 25.

Mr Barnes and 23-year-old Oliver Williams, from Lechlade, were both killed in the crash.

Mrs Barnes is in a critical condition in John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, with her family by her side day and night “praying she pulls through”.

They have paid tribute to Mr Barnes, who “loved spending time with his family”.

“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,” they said in a statement.

“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. Their kind words have been of huge comfort during this difficult time.

“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 are yet to be announced.

Tributes were also left at the scene of the crash.

One reads: “You were the most wonderful dad & grampy in the world, taken from us far too soon.

“You were one of life’s great angels and you are now one in heaven. Since you left us the sun has not stopped shining.”

Last week the Standard published a number of tributes to Oliver Williams, who died in the crash.

Adam Pitts said: “I am devastated one of my closest friends has been taken away! He was always there for me whenever I needed him, he always knew how to make people laugh and smile, Ollie you will always be remembered never forgotten RIP brother.”

If you would like to make a tribute to either John Barnes or Oliver Williams, call Jack Pitts on 01285 627 321 or email jpi@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk.