A FORMER colleague of the Chippenham bus driver who died in a car crash on Christmas Eve has set up a fundraiser to help the father-of-three give one last gift to his children.

Carole Bianchi, who worked with Nana Boateng at Marden Court Care Home four years ago, set up the fundraiser on December 29 with the aim of raising £1,000 for his two daughters and unborn baby boy.

Mr Boateng died when his silver Ford Fiesta collided with a heavy goods vehicle on the A429 near to Kingway Bridge in Hullavington at around 4am on Christmas Eve. The road was closed in both directions for eight hours following the crash.

He was reportedly heading home to Chippenham, where his current partner, who is expecting his baby son, lives with his younger daughter. Mr Boateng's older daughter, aged five, lives with his previous partner. Mrs Bianchi has spoken on social media to both mothers, sending them her sympathy and explaining her fundraising ambitions.

"I think everyone was shocked by the news," the 42-year-old said. "I was in France when I heard and I was horrified. I used to work with him in Marden Court and he was always smiling like a big kid. He couldn't be a nicer person, he was a great care assistant because all he wanted to do was help.

"How hard is it for children to lose their father on Christmas Eve, especially when he didn't even have a chance to say goodbye? It is just tragic. They have lost their dad and Nana wasn't able to give them anything for Christmas."

Since the GoFundMe page was set up, more than 40 people have dug deep to contribute to the fund, which will be split evenly between the three children and now stands at £895.

"I have been touched by the generosity of people," Mrs Bianchi added. "Sadly his baby boy will not know or remember his father but I want him and the two daughters to grow up knowing that he was a wonderful and beautiful man who really loved them."

The Bath depot of First Bus, where Mr Boateng had worked for the last three years, has also started a collection in his memory.

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/raise-money-for-nanas-family.

Anyone with information about the crash should contact PC 1106 Rabczak on 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.