FRIENDS of a man with a “heart of gold” who was seriously injured when a car smashed into a pub are raising money to help with his recovery.

Musician Stuart McClung died after a white Nissan Qashqai crashed into the outside smoking area at the Spinnaker, in Hythe Quay, Colchester.

Friends Ian Winter, 34, and Carl Joyner, 33, as well as Mr McClung’s partner Vikki Spall, 34, were also injured in the collision.

Mr Winter was flown to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with life-changing injuries.

One of his friends said: “Ian has had operations on his legs, hips and pelvis and there might be more to come. Potentially he could be in hospital for a couple of months.

“If you have broken legs, hips and pelvis then hopefully you can walk again but they do not know at the moment.

“But the prognosis is positive because he is now responding to doctors and his family.”

Friends of Mr Winter have set up a fundraising page to cover travel costs for his family and future rehabilitation costs.

The page describes Mr Winter as “one of the best

mates around” and says he “has a heart of gold and will

do anything to help anyone out”.

Mr Joyner was taken to Colchester Hospital with nerve damage in his legs but it is hoped he will be discharged from hospital soon.

The friend added: “Carl’s injuries are more mental than physical.

“He has seen one of his best friends seriously hurt and someone he has just met killed.”

Following the crash a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including murder. He has since been released under investigation.

An inquest into Mr McClung’s death opened at Chelmsford Coroner’s Court yesterday.

Gazette: Stuart McClungStuart McClung

The court heard he died from “traumatic compression to the abdomen” and suffered multiple fractures. Senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray released his body but set no date for the full-inquest due to potential criminal proceedings.

Donate to the fundraiser for Mr Winter at bit.ly/2Q9r2qq.

Donate to Mr McClung’s funeral costs at bit.ly/33FmSuc.