A LOVING family told last night how they were robbed of the chance to spend their last Christmas with their terminally ill father.

A LOVING family told last night how they were robbed of the chance to spend their last Christmas with their terminally ill father.

Cancer victim John Vry, 55, died after an alleged attack near his home. Two people have subsequently been charged with his murder.

His daughter Wendy said that her dad had bowel cancer and had been told in June he may have had only three to six months to live. As a result, the whole family were planning an emotional last Christmas to say their final goodbyes.

Mr Vry was found with serious head injuries in an alleyway, off London Road South, Lowestoft, at about 10.30pm last Wednesday.

He was taken to the James Paget University Hospital, Gorleston, but lost his fight for life the following day.

Wendy Vry, 23, said: “It has just devastated us. We didn't get to say our goodbyes and that is what has hurt the family the most. Christmas is going to be a difficult time now.”

Former electrician and newsagent Mr Vry lived in London Road South with his wife Valerie, 51, and son John, 22. Daughter Victoria, 26, has been studying for a PhD in Australia, while Wendy works as a teacher in Kent.

Mr Vry had gone out to buy some chips and a packet of cigars shortly before he was found lying in the alleyway, near the Royal Court Hotel. His son rushed to the scene before Mr Vry was taken to hospital.

“My dad briefly regained consciousness and squeezed my brother's hand, but he didn't wake up after that,” said Wendy, who was with her father when he died.

She revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, but he was still leading an active life in the weeks leading up to his tragic death.

She added: “I saw him going on for a good few months. Apart from picking up a few bugs, he was absolutely fine and was carrying on with life as normal.

“He was very much the head of the house and was a very loving man. He didn't talk a lot, but when he had something to say, you listened.”

Wendy also praised the staff at the James Paget University Hospital, where her mother works, for the way they treated her father.

The family is still waiting for the go-ahead to organise Mr Vry's funeral.

- James Killingback, 22, of Denmark Road, Lowestoft, and a 16-year-old boy, also from the town, have been charged with Mr Vry's murder.

Killingback and the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Lowestoft Magistrates' Court on Monday and spoke only to confirm their names. They were remanded in custody to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday.

A 23-year-old arrested in connection with the incident has been bailed to return to Lowestoft police station on January 19.