THE family of racing journalist Tom O'Ryan have thanked everyone for their messages of support following his death.

Former jockey, Tom, who was described as racing’s “voice of the North”, died in August, aged 61, following a short battle with cancer.

Tom, who was racing correspondent for the Gazette & Herald and was also a presenter on Racing UK, married Wendy, his partner of more than 20 years, on Friday, August 5, this year, 17 days before died.

Wendy said she and Tom's brother Robin had been overwhelmed by everyone's kindness and messages.

"We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages following the death of our beloved Tom and for all the kind tributes that have been paid to him," she said.

"We were overwhelmed by everyone's kindness and have received far too many messages to respond to them all individually, but they were all greatly appreciated."

Wendy added: "Thanks to Father Tim for a comforting service and Kerry and Ted for their kindness and professionalism while arranging the funeral. Also thanks to Carolyn Strickland for the catering and to Richard Fahey for all his help and support."

Donations received at the funeral amounted to £3,758 and have been shared between Jack Berry House, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Marie Curie Nurses.

Tom started his writing career after he was forced to retire from his career as an amateur jockey, aged 25. He took a touch-typing course, then wrote to the Gazette & Herald asking why a great centre like Malton didn't have a racing feature each week.

This was the start of a career as a racing journalist which would see Tom win awards for his work, including Racing Journalist of the Year in 2002.

In May 2013, Tom was involved in a serious accident when he was cutting the grass at his home in Brawby. After being taken to hospital by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, he was confined to a wheelchair and had to wear a body-brace for six weeks.

Tom trained young jockeys, often using “Neddy”, a mechanical horse, at his home and also at Jack Berry House in Malton. Before his injury he also rode out for racehorse trainer Richard Fahey in Malton.

Earlier this month it was announced that this year’s Stobart Champion Apprentice will be presented with a trophy named in honour of Tom.