Prayers were said at the Salvation Army Hall in Worthing both on Friday (October 19) and Sunday (October 12) for Mr Thompson, 73, who had just left home to buy a newspaper when he was in collision with a Lexus car just after 7am.

Mr Thompson, of Tamar Drive, was taken by ambulance to Worthing Hospital suffering from multiple injuries, including seven fractured ribs, and other internal injuries to his chest and head.

He has been a member of the Salvation Army for many years and was a commissioner, working at the national headquarters and has had a number of overseas postings during his Army career.

Deep sadness

Corps officer Major Peter Leech at the Salvation Army in Worthing said: "It was with deep sadness that we heard the news on Friday.

"We have been in touch with Arthur's wife, Karen and we understand he is in the high dependency unit at Worthing Hospital and is conscious, but he has very serious injuries."

Major Leech broke the news to saddened members of the Salvation Army at a harvest festival barn dance at the Citadel on Friday evening, and again at the Sunday meetings.

Mr Thompson was due to take the Salvation Army Remembrance Services at Worthing in November.

Police appeal

The Lexus car driver, a man in his 30s, was shaken but unhurt.

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to the crash, which happened near to its junction with Salvington Road.

Police closed both lanes of the road for several hours.

Any witnesses should contct Chichester Road Policing Unit on 0845 60 70 999 and quote Operation Ashwick.

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Worthing news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk