'They were with each other to the end' - Family pay tribute to couple killed in Reading crash

The family of a couple who were killed in a crash in Reading say they will 'take comfort knowing they were with each other to the end.'

Ralph and Brenda Jenkins, both 84, died in a collision on Park Lane at the junction of Mayfair in Tilehurst on Thursday (6/10).

The driver of the car- a man in his eighties - remains in hospital with serious injuries.

The Jenkins' family said: “Ralph and Brenda Jenkins, both 84, were wonderful and beloved parents and grandparents. Both retired teachers from the local area, Ralph was Headteacher at Birch Copse Primary School and Brenda setup and taught at the nursery unit at Springfield Primary School having previously been Headteacher at Chippenham Nursery School for many years.

"Together they worked tirelessly to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support for over 40 years and Brenda was invited to a Buckingham Palace Tea Party and invited to meet the then Prince Charles in recognition of selfless fund raising.

“They moved to Pegasus Court retirement complex in 2007 where they absorbed themselves into the retirement community, organising many clubs, activities and trips for fellow residents. Over the years Brenda organised the ‘knit and natter’ group which made blankets and clothes for premature babies both here and abroad.

“Ralph played cricket for Tilehurst Cricket Club and was involved in the merger with Theale Cricket Club when they became Theale and Tilehurst Cricket Club. He was the club treasurer for both clubs for many years before becoming President of the merged club. He was well respected amongst the membership and contributed enormously to ensure its success.

“The family are grateful that Brenda and Ralph were able to enjoy 62 years of happy marriage and take comfort knowing they were with each other to the end.

“We would like to express our appreciation to the lady who witnessed the accident, for her prompt action in calling the emergency services and for being there for Brenda and Ralph. We would also like to acknowledge all the members of the emergency services who attended the incident, and to thank them for the amazing and difficult job they do.”

Thames Valley Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Nigel Doyle, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed what happened to please come forward.

“We’d also ask anyone with dash-cams who was in the area around the time of the collision to check any footage in case it may have captured something that could assist with the investigation.

“Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference 43220448543.”