FAMILY and friends of a man who died one year after being involved in a car crash have paid tribute to “a larger than life character who would do anything for anyone”.

Ian Downton, of Malvern Road, near Powick, hit a tree while driving his Audi Quattro near Malvern Link and suffered multiple injuries.

The father-of-one was left with a hole in his esophagus following the crash, and had to be fed through a tube.

He spent almost 12 months at Heartlands Hospital, in Birmingham, and went from about 14 stone to eight stone before he died as a result of his injuries on Thursday, September 24. His mother, Ann Williams, of Rectory Road, Upton-upon-Severn, said her son never gave up fighting in the year following his accident.

Mrs Williams, aged 71, said: “He came home at Christmas and for a few weeks in the summer, and would always say: ‘I will fight this mum’. He did fight it for a year, but eventually he couldn’t fight any longer.

“He lived for the day and was always the life and soul of anybody’s household – wherever he went he was well liked and loved.

“He was larger than life and would do anything for anyone.”

Close friend Phil Peel, who has adopted Mr Downton’s pet terrier Smokey, said: “Ian was the best mate you could wish for.

“A hard exterior, yet a heart of gold. He worked hard and played hard, loved his dog and was a true Englishman.”

Steve Butler, who knew Mr Downton for 20 years, said: “He could be relied on if you needed anything and was always ready to give a helping hand. When not at work he was the life and soul of the party, good to be with, always laughing and joking.

“He is a friend who cannot be replaced and will always be missed.”

Mr Downton, a keen fisherman, worked as a specialist wood stripper and polisher, building up a reputation for exceptional workmanship.

He was trained by Barry Jenkins, father of Ledbury darts legend, Terry “The Bull” Jenkins.

About 400 people gathered for the 44-year-old’s funeral, which took place in Upton-upon-Severn in October.

A convoy of motorbikes led the funeral procession to St Peter and St Paul Anglican Parish Church.

A collection at the service raised more than £800 for Worcester’s Acorn’s children’s hospice.

He leaves behind a daughter Sian, aged 18, two brothers, Richard and Peter, and a sister, Theresa.

Mr Downton’s 17-year-old nephew, Ben Patterson, of Castlemorton, near Malvern, was killed in a motorcycle crash in February 2004.

l The inquest into Mr Downton’s death has been opened and adjourned by Worcestershire Coroner Geraint Williams while further reports are carried out.