Carol Service Cancelled Amid Search for Missing Rugby Star Tom Voyce

A planned carol service in a village located near the ongoing search for former England rugby player Tom Voyce has been called off. Authorities suspect the 43-year-old may have perished after attempting to traverse Abberwick Ford, situated close to Bolton, Northumberland, when his vehicle was swept away by the water’s flow. The search operation has been active since Sunday, following Mr. Voyce’s failure to return home after spending an evening with companions. Reverend Gill Lonsdale, a co-organizer of the service at Bolton Chapel, stated: “Nobody really has the heart to gather and sing carols, so it felt the right decision not to hold the event this year.” While Mr. Voyce’s vehicle has been located, Northumbria Police indicated their belief that “in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died”. Rescue teams have been extensively searching the riverbanks, extending from the ford between Bolton and Abberwick, downstream to the coastal area at Alnmouth. Additionally, volunteers from the two Mountain Rescue teams operating in Northumberland have been providing support, working alongside Mr. Voyce’s family and friends. The Reverend Rich Townend, who is the priest in charge for Bolton, described the situation as a “heart-breaking situation for everyone”. He further commented: “This is a small, close-knit farming community and everyone who is able is involved in the search,” adding, “The thoughts and prayers of us all are with the family.” Mrs. Lonsdale mentioned it had been “a very difficult time for so many people” because a local farmer had recently died in an accident near Whittingham, and some individuals who knew him were also participating in the search for Mr. Voyce. The former rugby star earned nine caps for England between 2001 and 2006, having played for clubs such as Wasps, Bath, and Gloucester prior to his retirement from the sport in 2013. His previous employment was with the bank Investec, and he has resided in Alnwick since 2020. Lawrence Dallaglio, a former England teammate, and Matt Dawson, who played with Mr. Voyce at Wasps, are among those who have expressed sorrow regarding the presumed loss of the former England winger and full-back. Premiership Rugby conveyed that it was “devastated” and that its thoughts were with Mr. Voyce’s loved ones. For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.