Ref. 30897-94DISTRAUGHT relatives of Pinehurst Road crash victim Michael McCann are today reeling from a fresh tragedy.

Michael's 10-year-old nephew was killed in a road accident on Friday.

Mitchell McCarthy was hit by a car as he crossed Queen's Drive on his bike.

The accident happened just five days after the horrific crash in Pinehurst which left a teenager dead and Mitchell's uncle fighting for his life.

Michael, 37, is now in a stable condition at the Great Western Hospital.

Relatives had been given fresh hope when doctors revealed they were 'cautiously optimistic' about his recovery.

Now, their world has been cruelly shattered.

But although their son has been taken from them, Mitchell's parents Tina, 35, and Paddy, 37, will always have fond memories of him.

"He was my ray of sunshine, and touched the hearts of everyone who knew him," said Tina, who is Michael's sister.

"My heart aches so much without him, but my memories will give me the strength to carry on."

Mitchell, of Carstairs Avenue, Park South, was born with Down's Syndrome, but refused to allow the condition to get in his way.

A popular, cheerful boy, he had a burning passion for football, and was devoted to Aston Villa.

He will be sorely missed by the Swindon Badgers' under-10s side, for whom he had played for three years.

A special achievement award was due to be presented to him at the weekend for his performance during the last season. There were emotional scenes as the prize was collected by his sister Lulu, nine, at Swindon Supermarine.

A collection was also held, which raised nearly £200 for Down's Syndrome children.

He was due to play in a friendly game this weekend, but it was cancelled in his memory. Paul Robinson, who runs the club, said Mitchell would always have a special place in their hearts.

"Mitchell ate, drank and slept football," he said.

"He was very special to us, we all loved him."

Mitchell had been looking forward to the start of Euro 2004.

"He was always talking about football," said Tina, who is separated from Paddy.

"And I thank everyone who helped him enjoy the game so much.

"I also want to thank all the children who were so good to him, and treated him the same as them. It made such a difference."

The Goddard Park Primary School pupil thought the world of his uncle Michael, and had been upset by the accident.

"One of my last memories is of Mitchell waking up in the night having a bad dream about his uncle Mickey," said Tina.

"But I reassured him that Mickey was getting better, and he went to sleep happy."

Michael was injured when the Ford Mondeo he was travelling in hit a tree.

Matthew Styles, 19 the other passenger died.

The driver, Gary Huckin, from Walcot, is due in court today in connection with the crash.

Tina's sister, Olivia McCann, said: "We're a close family, and we're pulling together to deal with this."

Mitchell, who also had two brothers, two-year-old Aston and Fraser, 11, had been playing pitch-and-put at Coate Water on the afternoon before he died.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the accident.

He was hit by a Ford Escort travelling towards the town centre at 8pm on Friday.

The accident happened about 100 metres from the Coate Water roundabout.

A lamppost near the scene has become a shrine to Mitchell. Among the flowers was a bouquet from his classmates.

The note read: "You will be forever in our hearts and minds. Sweet dreams."

Witnesses should call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Tamash Lal