jhorn@thekmgroup.co.uk

A popular poet is mourning the death of his wife after a tragic crash which killed her and left him seriously injured.

Muriel Godwin, 78, of Birling Avenue, Rainham, has been named as the elderly woman killed in an accident in Langley, near Maidstone.

Her husband Terry, chairman of the Rainham Poetry Group, was driving the car and had to be cut free. The 77-year-old spent almost two weeks in hospital following the smash and is now recovering at home.

Close friend and treasurer of the poetry group Kath Wayman said Mr Godwin is "devastated".

She added: "Muriel was his life. They were a devoted couple who were still very much in love.

"Muriel was the sort of person who would do anything for you, just like Terry. They did a lot of work for charity.

"It is a very distressing time for Terry. He blames himself which he really shouldn't. Everyone at the Rainham Poetry Group is thinking of him."

Mr and Mrs Godwin had been married for 53 years and had three sons: David who died at an early age, Mark, who lives in Vietnam, and Stuart, who lives in Yorkshire.

In 2008 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, when Mr Godwin presented his wife with a bunch of golden roses.

He also gave her a certificate, which thanked her for being a wonderful wife and mother, a brilliant cook, a caring nurse and a great secretary.

It went on to say: "I have written to the Queen asking her to award you the Victoria Cross for your bravery and dedication in looking after me."

Mr Godwin, who founded the Rainham Poetry Group, has published several books and presents monthly poetry readings on Sunlight Radio.

An inquest into Mrs Godwin's death was opened and adjourned last Wednesday. The cause of death was given as multiple injuries.

The couple's silver Vauxhall Astra was travelling on the A274 towards Maidstone on Saturday, September 17, when it hit a brick wall and collided with two vehicles – another silver Vauxhall Astra and a silver Mercedes S500 saloon.

A woman aged 66, who was driving the Mercedes, suffered arm injuries. The 45-year-old man driving the second Vauxhall Astra escaped unhurt.