More than 300 mourners packed into the chapel at Poole Crematorium to pay their last respects to Rob Jefferies, who was killed in a road traffic accident two weeks ago. Members of Poole Wheelers rode slowly behind the hearse as it carried Rob’s body the final few hundred yards to the crematorium. The coffin was draped in jerseys from all of Rob’s previous clubs and lapel pins were handed out, made from one of Rob’s old chains, by stepson George. Daughter Eve spoke bravely of her dad,failing to hold back the tears. "Why did it have to be him?" Robs older brother, Will, also shared his tears with the congregation. In a very moving eulogy, Will recalled insignificant phone calls with Rob, that now mean so much “as the phone does not ring anymore” The humanist service drew to a close with the words” To the Freedom of the wind and sunshine, we let you go”
A fund has been set up in Rob’s memory to encourage young riders. Donations can be made to
Poole WHS/ Robs Velo Youth Fund
C/O James Smith FD
60a Kings Road
Swanage
Dorset
BH 19 1HR
Thank you for writing that Eamonne. I really wanted to attend, but unfortunatley my little boy Henry(6) was having his own bike accident yesterday and we spent 5 hours in A&E. Thankfully all ok, just a very swollen knee, soft tissue injury and I am with him this morning whilst we apply the RICE. I will pay respects at the Crem myself over the weekend. Family and friends were in my thoughts this morning and I am sure Rob had a tremendous send off.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes
Steve