THE wife and sister of a doting dad killed in a car crash collected an award naming him one of Derby College's best students, only weeks after his death.

Karl Manaton died before he found out he had been honoured by the college, where he was studying health and social care.

He was given the award in recognition of his performance during the NVQ course, despite suffering from severe dyslexia.

The 32-year-old, who was killed when his car hit a tree on his way to work in Derby, spent time in care as a youngster and had a troubled childhood.

But he had turned his life around, gaining qualifications and getting involved in youth work, and was happily living in Hilton with his wife, Sheena, and their young family when he was killed.

"Karl was proof that you can turn your life around," said Sheena, also 32.

"He loved working with children – he was all about kids.

"He was given the award because he completed the NVQ sooner than most of the others, and had overcome his difficulties with dyslexia.

"It was an emotional day but I was so proud."

Karl, who had four young children, was working at Blue Mountain Homes, which looks after youngsters in care.

Emergency services were called to the A516 near Mickleover after the accident, which happened on Monday, June 8. No other vehicles were involved.

His family organised a special service to remember Karl's life which took place on Sunday, on what would have been the couple's sixth wedding anniversary.

"He packed a lot in his 32 years," said Sheena. "He was like a father, brother and friend to so many people, as well as an amazing dad to his own children and a loving husband.

"We have got his children and every single one of them has got a trait of his – we just have to remember that."

During his time as a youth worker at Derby charity Enthusiasm, Karl organised a trip to Africa for the youngsters to help children orphaned by Aids.

"I was heavily pregnant with my first child but he got us all out at the car boot, selling stuff to raise money for the trip," said Sheena.

"Everything he got he worked hard for – he never stopped. He just wanted to help people."

His sister, Rachel Manaton, 34, said: "It is hard to put into words how much he will be missed by the family.

"All I can say is that we are just really proud of what he achieved and how much he gave to everybody; he reached out to so many people.

"He was a devoted and proud family man."

Jo Russo, founder of Enthusiasm, which runs youth clubs in the city, said Karl was a credit to the organisation.

"He was brilliant fun – he will be really missed."