- Author, Lewis Adams
- Role, BBC News, Hertfordshire
BBC racing commentator John Hunt has urged people to “make the most of every day” after a crossbow attack killed three members of his family, his friend said.
Commentator Matt Chapman said proceeds from a fundraiser held after the attack would support Mr Hunt’s surviving daughter Amy.
“Family means more to some than others and for John, his family unit was something he absolutely adored,” Mr Chapman said.
Hertfordshire Police said he remained injured in hospital.
Over £28,000 has been raised since the fundraiser launched, along with hundreds of messages of support.
Mr Chapman said Mr Hunt had told him his “greatest desire” was to ensure Amy had “no financial worries for the rest of her life”.
“There are a lot of people, myself included, who feel helpless and would like to do something,” he told the BBC.
“John would wish nothing more for Amy after these horrible events than a life a little less stressful, because life will never be stress-free again.
“It’s not going to ease their grief, or their pain, or change anything, but it might help them have an easier life.”
Mr Chapman, an ITV commentator, said he had been in frequent contact with the “very talented” Mr Hunt following last week’s events.
“He said to me, ‘Matty, the message I want to give to everyone is that you never know when it’s going to be the last day you’re going to see your family,'” Mr Chapman said.
“The message was very clear: enjoy every day because you don’t know.”
Mr Chapman added that during phone calls with Mr Hunt he was often at home and “you could feel the family life in the background”.
They thanked people for their “kind messages” which brought “great comfort.”
Superintendent Rob Hall, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, previously said the investigation was progressing at pace.
A crossbow was found Thursday as the investigation continued, police said.
A vigil held at St James’s Church that day saw more than 50 people come to pay their respects.
