BBC racing commentator John Hunt has urged people to “make the most of every day” with their families after his wife and two daughters were killed in a crossbow attack.
Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, were fatally injured at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, last Tuesday.
John’s friend and fellow commentator Matt Chapman, He told the BBC‘Family means more to some than others and for John, his family unit was something he absolutely adored.
“He said, ‘Matty, the message I would give to everyone is that you never know when the last day you’re going to see your family will be. ‘ The message was very clear: make the most of every day because you never know.”
Kyle Clifford, 26, has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of murder but police have not yet been able to speak to him as he remains in a serious condition after suffering self-inflicted injuries.
Carol Hunt, pictured right, was the wife of BBC Radio Five Live racing commentator John Hunt, left.
Louise Hunt, pictured, was murdered alongside her mother Carol and sister Hannah.
Hannah Hunt, pictured, was also murdered at the family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Kyle Clifford, pictured right, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Mr Chapman said the profits from a Fundraising The money raised following the horrific attack, which has so far exceeded £28,000, will go to John’s surviving daughter Amy.
He said John had said his “greatest wish” was to make sure Amy “didn’t have money worries for the rest of her life.”
“There are many people, including myself, who feel helpless and would like to do something,” he said.
‘After these horrific events, John would like nothing more for Amy than a life a little less stressful, because life will never be stress-free again.
“It won’t relieve their pain, it won’t take away their suffering, it won’t change anything, but it might help them have an easier life.”
John and Amy released a joint statement on Saturday, thanking the public for their messages of support during what they described as “an extremely difficult time for us.”
“The devastation we are experiencing cannot be expressed in words,” they said.
‘We would like to thank people for their kind messages and the support we have received over the past few days. They have provided us with great comfort and we are very grateful for that.
‘As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for us and we need time and space to accept what has happened and begin the grieving process.
‘In the meantime, we ask that our privacy and that of our family and friends be respected at this time. Thank you.’
There has been a huge outpouring of support for John, who has worked for the BBC for 30 years.
In an interview before the tragedy, the broadcaster told colleagues he was looking forward to his beloved wife joining him in Paris when he covered the Olympics next month.
In a separate statement read out to Sky Sports Racing viewers at the weekend by Matt Chapman, John paid tribute to his surviving daughter, who was “magnificently inspirational”.
Photographs of the victims were included among the floral tributes left at the scene of the murders.
Well-wishers left handwritten messages of condolence on cards.
Friends and family left floral offerings near the house where the three women were killed.
He said: ‘Despite the terrible evil that has devastated our lives, causing devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counterbalance has been the overwhelming messages of support, some of which are yet to be read.
‘My eldest daughter Amy has been a wonderful inspiration with her control and support towards me, something I am trying, trying very hard, to replicate.
‘Each message has seemed so important to me, like a comforting hug.
“We know people are worried about us, we will get through this. Sending my love to you all, John.”
Police launched an urgent search for Clifford after the bodies of the three women were found at a house in Ashlyn Close in Bushey on Tuesday night.
After a massive manhunt lasting almost 24 hours, police tracked the suspect, a former soldier, to Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield.
He was found with self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest and underwent life-saving surgery.
Hertfordshire Police have confirmed they are waiting for doctors to give them the all-clear to speak to Clifford.
They have confirmed that although he has been arrested for the deaths, the usual time limit for a suspect to be held in custody has not yet applied.
Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family at this tragic time.
“The investigation is progressing well and as a result we have arrested one man. Enquiries are continuing at this time.”
Clifford was found with serious injuries at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, north London. Pictured here, an armed police officer patrols the cemetery on Wednesday
Clifford, 26, was discovered by police near gravestones at Enfield’s Lavender Hill Cemetery.
Friends of the Hunt family attended a vigil at St James’s Church in Bushey on Thursday and paid tribute to Mrs Hunt and her daughters.
Lea Holloway, 60, a childhood friend of Carol Hunt, described her as a “beautiful person”.
She said: “This is the stuff nightmares are made of. They were a lovely family and (the daughters) were lovely girls.”
‘They were making their way in life and their lives were cut short too soon. It’s the stuff of nightmares. I feel for their eldest daughter and for John (Hunt). I can’t imagine what it would be like.’
After being joined by two other close friends, Dionne Smith, 58, and Abigail Phillips, 58, the trio told reporters: “There were four of us and now there are three of us. It doesn’t feel real. We’re in pain together.”