A 21-year-old from Three Holes near Wisbech whose life was tragically cut short in a collision near Downham Market has been described as a “bright and fun loving” aspiring lorry driver.

Ely Standard: Lucy Barham at Norwich Crown Court, who pleaded not guilty to causing sdeath by dangerous driving, killing Christopher Fuller. PICTURE: Denise BradleyLucy Barham at Norwich Crown Court, who pleaded not guilty to causing sdeath by dangerous driving, killing Christopher Fuller. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant)

The family of Christopher Fuller has spoken of the months since his death, on the A1122 Swaffham Road at Fincham on September 8, 2016, as a “nightmare”.

And at Norwich Crown Court, 34-year-old Lucy Barham, from Russell Close in Downham Market, denied causing his death by dangerous driving.

She was released on bail ahead of her trial, expected to last four to five days from December 13 at Norwich Crown Court.

Ely Standard: Christopher Fuller with sister Sheryl Fuller and brother James Fuller. Picture: David FullerChristopher Fuller with sister Sheryl Fuller and brother James Fuller. Picture: David Fuller (Image: Archant)

Mr Fuller’s family has described the loss of a “good and decent human being”, who was passionate about driving.

On the night of the accident Christopher’s parents had started to prepare for bed as per usual. But Mrs Fuller couldn’t settle with her son still out.

Christopher had spent that day decorating the family’s new home, and his parents Shirley and David said when they returned from work he was proud of his work.

That night he went out with friends in Fakenham.

When he did not return, Mrs Fuller went out in search of her son and came across police on Swaffham Road, in Fincham, where the accident had taken place.

“Then the nightmare began,” she said.

“He had a great day, laughing and mucking about. He was happy; then the accident happened.”

Mrs Fuller said: “His cars were his pride and joy - nothing was polished or washed enough.

“His favourite thing in the world was driving.”

Always seen to look his best, his mother described his shopping habits to be “a bit like a girls” and said he had joined the gym the day before he died.

His father said he was a bright, fun-loving son, who was able to pull through from his earlier struggles of learning difficulties.

Mrs Fuller added: “He took care of himself; his brother said his bedroom smelt like a boudoir.

“He had a wicked sense of humour - there was always a big smile on his face.”

Christopher Fuller, who lived in Three Holes, near Wisbech, leaves behind parents David and Shirley, and siblings James Fuller, Jada Mystic, Melissa Fuller and Sheryl Fuller.

The Road Peace charity, which has been supporting the family, will be reading Mr Fuller’s name at their Ceremony of Remembrance at the Road Peace wood this Saturday.

“Life is too short to waste”

Christopher’s brother, James said: “I didn’t see or speak to my brother as often as I could have. I believed that we both had plenty of time, a lifetime in fact, to speak on the phone, go out for a drink, tell each other jokes, open our Christmas presents together, attend each others marriages, witness the birth of our children or most of the other things that we all take for granted

“We live in the expectation that the people closest to us will always be around, our family instead have learned in the most horrific way possible that this isn’t always the case.

“I would love to be able to pick up the phone and call my brother, sadly, I am unable. Therefore, I hope that whoever reads this will be inspired to take a moment out of their day and call a loved one, perhaps one they haven’t spoken to for a while and ask how they are and tell them that they love them, or to heal a family rift, regardless of the circumstances.

“My family has lost a good and decent human being to learn that life is too short to waste such opportunities.”