Families of cyclists killed in Hanham thank police and friends for their support (From Gazette Series)
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Families of cyclists killed in Hanham, Ross and Clare Simons, thank Avon and Somerset Police and friends for their support
5:14pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News By Marion Sauvebois
THE FAMILIES of a Fishponds couple who died after being knocked off their tandem bike in Hanham have thanked police and friends for their support at a very difficult time.
Ross Simons, 34, and his wife Clare, 30, had just been given the green light to start IVF treatment and start a family of their own when they were killed in an alleged hit-and-run.
In a statement their families said: "First of all we would like to thank everyone for their kindness. The police have been fantastic and have worked really hard, as have all the staff at Alderwick funeral directors, who have been amazing.
"We would also like to thank the people who were with Ross and Clare in their final moments, it gives us great comfort knowing they were not alone. But mostly we would like to thank our friends and families for all their support as this has been what has pulled us through this last week, and will continue to do so.”
A joint funeral will be held on Friday, February 15 at Westerleigh Crematorium at 11am.
Mr and Mrs Simons’ relatives are asking anyone planning to attend and pay their respects to the couple to wear bright colours. All donations collected on the day will go to a Bristol IVF charity. “Could anyone who attends make sure they wear bright colours, and no black. This is because Ross and Clare were both colourful and bright people,” they said.
“We ask all who attend not to bring flowers as they will only be disposed of after a short time, instead we would appreciate donations that will be collected on the day, which will be forwarded to a Bristol IVF charity in the hope that it will give some other couple the chance of having a child. Both families are sure this is what Ross and Clare would have wanted.
"Ross and Clare have left a huge hole in the lives of everyone who knew them. Both families are completely devastated at our loss and kindly request that we are left alone in order to grieve with friends and family."
