A HEARTBROKEN family is appealing for help to fund a young dad’s funeral after his sudden death.
Popular Aylburton father-of-one James ‘Jay’ Bailey died last month aged 33, almost 13 years to the day after a horror car crash which changed his life.
And his family has launched a JustGiving page to fund the funeral “to help give James the send off to heaven that he deserves”.
James had picked his girlfriend up from a party when he broke his neck, back, arm and leg in a crash in Viney Hill on November 11, 2004.
The then 20-year-old struck his head after trying to save his two passengers and fell into a coma and nearly died at the scene, said his sister Carrie-Anne Bailey.
He was unconscious for three months “fighting for his life”, and his family say that despite learning to move, talk and eat again after leaving hospital, Jay suffered brain damage and his mental health deteriorated.
Carrie-Anne added: “We stood by his side night and day, praying he would come back to us. Thirteen years ago we were all terrified that he would never wake up, until new year came and he opened his eyes.
“We were all so happy to have James back, despite the heartbreaking news of his severe brain injury.”
After “recovering very slowly”, the former Whitecross School pupil eventually left Frenchay Hospital in Bristol and was transferred to Bath Hospital for rehabilitation.
“James worked so hard to get himself back on his feet and with the care and support of staff and family, we had him back home,” said Carrie-Anne.
“But the last 13 years have seen James’ mental health decline, which we are aware is a result of a brain injury.
“The years went on and his mental health declined significantly. There appeared to be no way out for him.
“By this time we were all pleading for help, but it just did not come in the form that he needed.”
Her brother, who was one of five children, died on November 13, two days after the 13th anniversary of his horror crash.
The funeral for James, who lived with his mother Elaine and had a nine-year-old daughter, Evee, is at 12pm on Thursday, December 14, at St Mary’s Church, Lydney.
His family has set up a www.justgiving.com/crowdfundingcarrie-
anne-bailey-1 page to assist with funeral costs due to James’ sudden death.
In tribute, they have asked mourners to wear something blue and are appealing for bikers to ride in a procession at the bike fan’s funeral. Anyone who can help can contact Carrie-Anne on 07830 008801.