His death had a huge impact on my life ...but we’ve got to do what we can and try to be positive.

THE father of Waqas Hussain has paid tribute to his son on the one year anniversary of the tragic bus crash that killed him.

Imran Hussain, 43, and his family went to the site of the crash on Foleshill Road to lay flowers and pay tribute to Waqas.

Waqas suffered serious head injuries when he was struck by a bus and died two days later in hospital when his life support was turned off.

James O’Reilly pleaded guilty to causing the death of the 20-year-old by careless or inconsiderate driving, but avoided jail.

Mr Hussain, who had travelled down from his home in Keighley, Yorkshire, told the Telegraph of the difficulty he has faced over the last year after losing his son. “It’s been absolutely terrible,” he said. “Two weeks after it happened I was more or less in a position where I just gave up. I was going to give up on my life. I felt that I couldn’t have my life back.

“Luckily I had my friends and family around me and I got through. I only had one son, I had all hopes and everything for him. His two sisters lost their brother. His death caused a huge impact on my life, but we’ve got to do what we can and just try and be positive.”

Speaking of his son’s caring nature, Mr Hussain recounted some of the happy memories he held.

“I felt like he was my father at times. He was always caring. To me he was a friend more than a son.

“When I stayed abroad, on occasions he’d come out and see me. We’d hang around, see friends, we’d sit on the rocks by the sea and talk. He’s the one who chose the house out there for me, so I don’t think I’ll ever let go of it now.”

Mr Hussain was joined by his two daughters Saverah, 14, and Sanah, 17, who both live in Coventry, as well as his good friend Mohammed Yaqub, who also lost a son in January last year.

“I came alongside friends who are suffering like I am and started hanging out with other grieving parents,” Mr Hussain said.

“My friend Mr Yaqub has been a big support for me.”

Mr Yaqub’s son Yassar, a 27-yearold father of two, was shot and killed by police during a pre-planned operation on the M62.

“Losing a child is something you wish no one to ever have to go through, it’s the worst thing for a parent. Words are not strong enough to describe the loss - it’s destroyed my family.

He said: “Imran is a friend of mine. He’s been very supportive through my bereavement and I’ll do the same for him which is why I’m here to support him today.”

Mr Hussain has vowed to visit the site of the tragic crash every year to pay his respects to his son.

“It actually feels good to be here today to be honest,” he added. “On the 11th of January I will be here at 2pm every year for the rest of my life now and I know that will keep me going.”