The family of stabbing victim Danny Collard faces a second tragedy after his grandmother was left fighting for her life.

Sarah Parker was on a life support machine and in a critical condition last night, exactly a week after bank worker Danny died from a knife wound to the heart.

His devastated mother, Ann, was at her bedside at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, after Mrs Parker, 77, was given the last rites by a priest.

The latest blow for the family came as a candlelight vigil was held last night in Danny's memory at the spot where he fell.

Mrs Collard, 48, said: "My mother has never had a day ill in her life.

"She collapsed with breathing difficulties after the police told us Danny was dead.

"We took her to hospital and she was kept in. She suddenly deteriorated on Thursday night.

"Her heart stopped beating and she stopped breathing. The doctors asked us to leave the cubicle while they worked on her.

"They managed to bring her back, but the part of her brain which controls her breathing has been affected.

"She can't breathe on her own and it will take a miracle to save her now.

"She has been given the last rites and it is just a question of time."

Mrs Collard said her mother lived with her and Danny, 20, at their home in Lower Bevendean Avenue, Brighton.

Mrs Parker helped them care for Danny's brother Joe, 16, who is autistic.

Mrs Collard said: "It was as if Danny had two mothers. She was really close to him.

"She was devastated by his death and I feel that, when the time comes, she will have died from a broken heart."

Mrs Collard said Joe is being cared for in a home while the family copes with the tragedy.

She said: "He has not been told Danny is dead because he would not understand.

"He knows something is wrong because Danny is not around."