AN NEAR blind widow whose husband died in a horrific crash on a Suffolk road has paid an emotional tribute to the man who "transformed" her life.Francesca Davies said her beloved husband, Gareth, 47, asked her to marry him shortly after she lost the sight in one eye and was beginning to lose the use of her remaining eye.

AN ALMOST blind widow whose husband died in a horrific crash on a Suffolk road has paid an emotional tribute to the man who "transformed" her life.

Francesca Davies said her beloved husband, Gareth, 47, asked her to marry him shortly after she lost the sight in one eye and was beginning to lose the use of her remaining eye.

In the five "wonderful" years they had following their wedding she said he became her sight.

She is struggling to come to terms with his death on Tuesday on the A134 near Ingham and has joined a chorus for improvements to the stretch of road to prevent similar accidents.

Mrs Davies, 38, of Grove Avenue, Little Waldingfield, near Sudbury, who expects to lose all sight completely, said the love her husband gave her will keep her strong.

"I'm devastated by what has happened but because I had so much love and a strong will I will get through this with my family and friends. I know Gareth will always be with me."

The grieving widow said she and her husband met at the Swan Hotel in Lavenham.

"He said he loved me and from then on I couldn't fault him in any way. He gave me everything I could ever want and more.

"I will remember his smile and the fact that he was so caring and happy."

His Mondeo car was in collision with a lorry and ended up only yards from the spot where 30-year-old Paul Bailey was killed in an accident in June 2000.

Anyone with information about the accident should contact Pc Kevin Fuller on 01284 774224.