Husband's tributes after rally tragedy (From Gazette & Herald)

Husband's tributes after rally tragedy

AN EMOTIONAL thank you to a North Yorkshire community has been given by the husband of a rally enthusiast who died competing in the sport she loved.

Navigator Chris Francis died on February 22 while taking part in the Kall Kwik National Rally in Dalby Forest, Pickering, when the white Subaru Impreza driven by her brother, Jeff McNeil, left the track and hit a tree.

Rick Francis, of Aldmoor Farm, Burythorpe, has expressed his thanks to the Malton community and local clubs, which his wife was passionately involved in, for their support after her death.

"At this very sad time with the support of the community, I appreciate what a wonderful place Malton is," said Mr Francis, who has two children Jess, 16, and Tom, 11.

"I would like to sincerely thank everyone concerned for helping myself, Jess and Tom and our family get through this difficult time.

"Chris was tragically taken from our lives; the support from everybody has been overwhelming.

"It is very difficult to thank each and every person for their kind support, visits, telephone calls, letters, cards and flowers, but I hope our gratitude can be passed on."

Mrs Francis took over the family refrigerated transport business, Francis Brothers Haulage, in 2001. She renamed it RCF, expanded the company and doubled the fleet.

Despite her work commitments, Mrs Francis supported her two children in all their activities and was a regular fixture on the sidelines of the Malton and Norton RUFC pitch watching Tom play.

Mr Francis said: "I would particularly like to thank the following: North Yorkshire Police, especially PC Gill Foley, Sgt Paul Stephenson and TC Daniel Spence; Ted and Anne Agar, for the care and understanding in their superb organisation of the funeral; Sally Jones (a parish reader at St Michael's Church, Malton), who conducted the service; Malton and Norton RUFC for a very warm welcoming reception, John Machin, Pat and Nicky Stephenson, Ken and staff, Sue and Howard Johnson; Terrington Hall School headmaster John Glen and staff; Plug Pullyn and Graham and Donna Harper, of Malton Motor Club, and Victoria Young, of York & County Press."

A funeral collection raised £2,000 for Rally Rescue, £630 for Malton Motor Club and £630 for Malton and Norton RUFC.

Updated: 12:34 Monday, April 26, 2004