A SENIOR aircraftsman with the RAF who was killed in a road accident was about to marry his fiancée who was expecting their first child.Jack Foreman, 20, of Stradbroke, died after his motorcycle was in a crash involving a car on March 19 in the village.

A SENIOR aircraftsman with the RAF who was killed in a road accident was about to marry his fiancée who was expecting their first child.

Jack Foreman, 20, of Stradbroke, died after his motorcycle was in a crash involving a car on March 19 in the village.

The tragedy struck just two months before his scheduled wedding to fiancée, Melissa Stacey, 18. Melissa had only just been told that she was five weeks pregnant with their first child, it was disclosed yesterday.

Jack's father, Nick Foreman, said the wedding had been brought forward to May for several reasons.

"It was so that friends who were due to go overseas with the armed forces later in the year could attend. The best man's wife was pregnant and having the wedding in May meant they could attend without having to miss the occasion because she was giving birth.

"The wedding was also brought forward so that Jack's close friend, James Bevan, who is undergoing chemotherapy, would be strong enough to attend," Mr Foreman said.

"Jack was a very patriotic lad who was very protective over his family and friends. He was always hard on himself and was his own worst critic," he added.

Mr Foreman said his son had wanted to join the armed forces since the age of 14 and had sought additional tuition to help him achieve his ambition to be accepted by the RAF.

He had joined the RAF in November 2003 as a survival equipment fitter, responsible for maintaining all of the aircrews' survival equipment, including parachutes, flying helmets and life rafts.

After training at RAF Cosford, he was posted to RAF Coltishall in Norfolk - about 45 miles from his home - in November last year as a senior aircraftsman.

Mr Foreman said the family was very grateful for all the support they had received since Jack's death.

Flt Lt Symon Woodward, spokesman at Coltishall, said although Jack had only been "on station" a short while he had already instigated fund-raising activities in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Middlesex Hospital, in support of James Bevan.

Jack's funeral is to take place at Wilby Church on Monday at 12 noon. The service will be conducted by Steven Lamond, Coltishall station padre.

Only family flowers and wreaths are being invited but people can make a donation to the RAF Benevolent Fund, c/o Rosedale Funeral Home, Diss.