THE family of Radcliffe support worker John Atkinson, killed in the Manchester Arena bombing, have spoken movingly of their heartbreaking loss at a public inquiry.

His parents Daryl and Kevan Price, and sisters Laura, Stacy and Amy, all agreed that their lives would never be the same following the loss of the 28-year-old.

In a pen portrait, read out by solicitors at the Manchester hearings into the arena bombing, his loved ones recalled just some of the things which made him special to them.

Mr and Mrs Price said in a joint statement: “He had a massively addictive personality and would help anyone.

“He adored his sisters and nephews and would always treat them by taking them on days out.”

The proud Prices recalled how John had a Mensa-rated IQ of 137 by the age of eight and later, after passing his NVQs, at a management level, he went to work with young people with autism and behavioural difficulties.

John had even been thinking about fostering before his death, they added.

One of his standout achievements, when he decided to get in shape, was when he lost eight-and-a-half stone with Slimming World and was named their ‘Man of the Year’.

His younger sister Amy described how “some days it is hard to think of anything else” when it came to John’s death.

Eldest sister Laura, who told the hearing how his twin nephews doted on him, added: “There are no words which can express how much I miss my brother.”

Their sibling Stacy said she had “still not accepted” he had gone and paid tribute to his kindness and thoughtfulness.

Earlier this year a granite memorial, constructed by Edenfield-based Angels In Stone, was unveiled to the music-mad motoring enthusiast in Radcliffe’s piazza.