Family of couple killed on their tandem bike tell mourners to donate to IVF charities

The family of a couple killed while riding their tandem bicycle have urged mourners not to pay their respects with flowers – and instead donate to IVF charities.

Friends and family of Ross and Clare Simons, who had just been given the go-ahead for fertility treatment, have urged well-wishers to give money to help others create a life.

Ross’s father Edwin asked 300 mourners at a memorial service a week after their tragic death to “help other couples have the babies that we wanted our child to have”.

Edwin added: “We ask all who attend the funeral not to bring flowers. We would like people to donate to a Bristol IVF charity to help other couples to have the babies that we wanted our child to have.”

Ross’s sister Kelly Woodruff added: “Both families are sure that’s what Ross and Clare would want.

“We also want no black to be worn at the funeral and want to see everyone in bright colours because Ross and Clare were both colourful people.”

The funeral will be held on Friday, February 15, at Westerleigh Crematorium in Bristol.

Ross and Clare died as they enjoyed one of their first rides on the machine in Hanham, Bristol, last Sunday.

The couple, of nearby Staple Hill, sustained horrific injuries and both died at the scene, on Lower Hanham Road, despite attempts by paramedics to save their lives.

Last week Nicky Lovell, 38, appeared at North Avon Magistrates Court, in Yate, charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop his Citroen Picasso at the scene, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

He is due to appear before Bristol Crown Court on February 21 for a preliminary hearing.