GAZETTE & HERALD: THE heartbroken fiance of father-of-one Chris Lewis, who was killed while working on the M25 last Wednesday, told how they were weeks away from moving into a bigger house and were planning to marry at the end of the year.
Mr Lewis, 38, of Marshfield Road, Chippenham, was killed when a lorry crashed through roadworks near Enfield, in Middlesex, colliding with a van he had been standing alongside. The lorry driver failed to stop.
This week, Chadwell Heath traffic police revealed a lorry driver had been arrested and questioned in connection with the collision. He has now been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
An inquest has also been opened into Mr Lewis's death and adjourned until a later date.
Mr Lewis had been carrying out motorway work for Chippenham-based firm CE Fencing for six years, and had celebrated his son's first birthday just three weeks before.
Fiance Kim Lord, 27, said: "I feel numb, like he is going to just walk through the door.
"I stayed up all night the other night just watching videos of him.
"Chris was absolutely devoted to our son Lawrence and everything he did was for us.
"We had been really looking forward to moving into the new house. It has a lovely garden for Lawrence to play in and we had so many plans.
"I'm determined to see all of those plans through because it would have been what Chris wanted."
Born and raised in Chippenham, Mr Lewis attended Sheldon School and went on to swim for the county at Calne Sports Centre, where his parents are still instructors.
A trained chef he had travelled extensively in Australia, the Middle East and Africa, working in restaurants.
His devastated father, Mike, 67, of Stanley Lane, Chippenham, said: "Chris and I would meet up most weeks for a drink and a chat. He really was my best mate.
"His local was the Old Road Tavern in New Road and he was part of the Winkle Club, a group of regulars who collect money for charity. They are all so upset by what has happened. They are planning to plant a tree and place a bench in his honour in the garden."
Mr Lewis's mother, Margaret, 61, agreed: "He was as proud a dad as you could be. We worried about him working on the motorway and I used to tell him so, but he would just say, 'I'll be all right mum'."
Messages and cards have been pouring in from people who knew Mr Lewis, including shop and bank staff, who had regularly seen him out with his son.
"Chris carried Lawrence everywhere because he wanted people to be able to see his little boy," said Ms Lord.
"I have had people from shops telling me how excitedly he talked about moving house, they can't believe he has gone. I'm grateful for all their cards."
The funeral will take place at St Andrew's Church tomorrow at 11am. Everyone who knew Mr Lewis is welcome to attend the funeral and the burial that follows at London Road cemetery.
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