MORE than 50 people attended a memorial service for a popular hospital nurse who was killed in a motorcycle crash.

Christian Davies, known as Hugh, had been on his way to work at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley when his Honda motorbike was hit by a van at the junction of Pedmore Road and The Gateway, Brierley Hill, on June 30 last year.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics attending the scene - the 50-year-old NHS senior charge nurse, dad and motorbike fan, from Martindale Walk, Amblecote, died of his injuries.

Friends, relatives and work colleagues were left heartbroken at the tragedy and his father Elwyn Davies said: "The shock of his death is still devastating to the hospital. Christian began his career as a student at Russells Hall and advanced to senior charge nurse. He was known by everyone at the hospital."

Such was his popularity - a memorial service was held at Russells Hall last Thursday, one year after the fatal crash.

Mark Stobert, chaplaincy team leader at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: "A memorial service to mark the first anniversary of Hugh Davies’ death was a fitting tribute to such a well-liked and respected man.

"Members of staff from various departments across the Trust came together in the Prayer Centre at Russells Hall Hospital to remember the popular charge nurse and pay their respects."

More than 50 people attended the memorial in the Prayer Centre where a picture of Mr Davies, painted by a member of staff, currently hangs.

Brierley Hill driver Alan Holloway admitted causing the death of the much-loved nurse by driving without due care and attention - and in April he was given a five-month jail term suspended for 18 months.

The 57-year-old, of Adelaide Street, who was also banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid community work, claimed to have failed to see Mr Davies approaching.