THE family of a 33-year-old dad killed in a road accident have described how he “lived for every minute of the day”.

Ray Higson, who had been out with friends on a stag party, was found by a taxi driver lying on the Euxton-bound carriageway of Southport Road near the junction with Sandringham Road, Chorley, with serious injuries during the early hours of Sunday.

He was taken by ambulance to Royal Preston Hospital but died in the early hours of Sunday.

Mr Higson, of Thornhill Road, Chorley, was seen climbing onto the back of a white Fiat Doblo Cargo van with roof rack, in Union Street, at the traffic light junction with Market Street, prior to the accident.

A former pupil of Holy Cross School, he worked as a carpenter and played guitar with several local groups.

He was the father of 11-year-old Jade and had a 34-year-old partner, Zoe Williams.

Following his death his family released a statement in tribute.

It said: “He was a loving father who doted on his daughter, Jade, and her on him.

“He was also a keen money raiser for charities, particularly when it took the form of a challenge.

"He encouraged his daughter in both sporting and creative activities.

"Just the weekend before his death, Raymond, Jade and his partner Zoe had taken an outing to Monkey World in Dorset.

“Raymond was a keen cook and footballer. He was also a keen money raiser for charities, particularly when it took the form of a challenge.

"This year he completed a 90ft abseil for cystic fibrosis and last year the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride in aid of Christies Hospital.

“Eminently sociable, he had a big sense of humour and many friends.

"He lived for every minute of the day, a genuine local and fabulous personality.

“Locally, Raymond knew everyone and everyone knew of Raymond.

“In family, work, friends and his loving partner Zoe, Raymond had seemingly discovered the magic formula of how to live a rich and full life.

"He will be missed greatly by all.”