Family's heartbreak at South Africa road death

Sue and Dougie Taylor emigrated from the town in 1971 to set up home in Johannesburg.

Dougie, from Breightmet, and Sue, who lived in Blackburn Road, Bolton, had five children, who grew up in South Africa.

But now the couple are struggling to come to terms with their son Nicholas's death, in a car accident on a motorway.

It comes only months after the "happy, jovial" 19-year-old enjoyed an afternoon watching his favourite soccer team, Bolton Wanderers, at the Reebok Stadium with his dad and brother during a visit to England. Yesterday, speaking from his South African home, Mr Taylor said: "Nicholas was such a fun, happy boy to be with. He was so kind-hearted and everybody loved him.

"On Boxing Day, Nicholas, his brother Andrew and I all went to watch the Wanderers play. They were his team.

"Whenever we have visited home we have never been able to see everyone we wanted to, because of a lack of time.

"At least now people will see this and perhaps realise it is us and then we will be in their thoughts."

And the heartbroken family has already received messages of sympathy from Bolton ex-patriates who they have formed friendships with. Mr Taylor added: "We know quite a few Bolton people who live in South Africa. Although they live some distance away they have sent us flowers and their best wishes.

"It has helped us get through this terrible time. We are all sticking together and supporting each other."

Mrs Taylor and the couple's daughters Louise, 21, Joanne, 17, and Jessica, 16, had recently moved back to live in Manchester.

Her husband and their two sons were due to join them in only a few months time. Nicholas had also planned to travel to America to work as a teacher at a summer camp.

All the family have now gathered in South Africa for the funeral following Nicholas's death on Saturday night.

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