England rugby player Tom Voyce's funeral invites donations to search and rescue team

The funeral of England rugby player Tom Voyce takes place tomorrow (Friday, January 10) with all welcome to a celebration of his life. His family have asked for donations to the mountain search and rescue team that dedicated hours to searching for him.

Cornwall-born Voyce, who played for Gloucester for several years, died in a river in Northumberland. The 43-year-old former wing for England, originally from Truro, was in his car near Alnwick when it was swept away by the current during floods last month. The funeral due to take place tomorrow (Friday, January 10) has been called 'a celebration of Tom’s life' in the funeral notice.

It said: "Tragically, on Sunday, December 8, aged 43 years. Much loved husband of Anna, loving daddy of Oscar, treasured son of Christine and the late Michael, and a dear brother of Emily. Greatly loved and sadly missed by all his family and friends.

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"A private burial will be followed by A Celebration of Tom’s life in St Michael’s Parish Church, Alnwick, on Friday, January 10 at 2pm. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to Northumberland National Park and North of the Tyne Mountain Rescue Teams, Amble & Coastguard Volunteers and The Wooden Spoon Charity c/o William Purves Funeral Directors, Garden Lodge Greenwell Road, Alnwick, NE66 1HB."

Northumbria Police said heavy rain brought by Storm Darragh on December 8 raised the river levels. The force deployed specialist officers from its marine section alongside the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers. Volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue were also on the hunt.

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