Wife of former England rugby player found in Northumberland river pays tribute
The wife of former England rugby player Tom Voyce says his death "leaves a hole in so many of our hearts."
Last updated 13th Dec 2024
The wife of a former England rugby player who died in Northumberland says the family is "absolutely devastated and heartbroken".
Yesterday the body of 43 year old Tom Voyce was found in the River Aln, near Alnwick - after failing to return from an evening with friends during Storm Darragh.
It's thought he died after trying to drive across a storm swollen ford near Abberwick Mill, on the river Aln, near Alnwick.
“Absolutely devastated and heartbroken doesn’t even describe how we feel,” said Anna.
“My main focus now is our son Oscar having done what he asked, ‘find Daddy’.
“All of Tom’s family were involved in the search. I will be forever grateful to my brothers Hugh and Jamie, Aidan Philipson and Garry Whitfield for coordinating the search party working alongside the police teams.
“Tom would be blown away by the amount of people that were out there helping. We have all been overwhelmed by the support of friends, many travelling from far afield to help with the search.
“We are just so lucky to live in such a special community that pulled together to find Tom.
Since relocating to Northumberland from London in 2019, Tom left his role at Investec to set up a flourishing business, Trevow Vegetation Management, and has established himself within the Northumberland and Scottish Borders rural communities, many of whom have turned up to help with the search.
Anna said: “Tom was fully immersed in Alnwick Rugby Club and was much-loved by Oscar’s under 7’s team which he coached with gusto, giving back to the game that gave him so much.
“Oscar is immensely proud of his Daddy and he was the best father and role model that Oscar could have asked for.
“Tom was proud, and cherished, his rugby memories and as an adopted ‘Northumbrian’ local he leaves a hole in so many of our hearts.
“With his big warm smile, passion and funny stories he loved nothing better than sitting round a table chatting with family and friends sharing his latest creation on his Big Green Egg.”
It was at Cirencester Agriculture College where he first met Anna’s brother Jamie, and he grew a passion for the countryside taking him all over the country where he met Anna’s other brother Hugh and father.
An opportune meeting in London founded a seven year friendship with Anna, and getting together in 2014. They married at Babington House, Somerset in 2015 in front of family and close friends.
Tom’s beloved mother, Christine, still resides in Cornwall, where Tom grew up with his late father Michael and younger sister, Emily, who now lives in New York.
Anna a former British & Irish Lion’s consultant, worked on the 2009, 2013 & 2017 Tours before the arrival of their son Oscar in 2018.
The whole family say they would like to thank the police, mountain rescue and all the specialist teams who helped search for Tom.
A statement on Alnwick Rugby Club's website says:
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
"We at ARFC, were deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Tom Voyce. Tom was a fleet footed winger and played professional rugby with Bath, Wasps, Gloucester and London Welsh. He was part of the great Wasps dynasty of Warren Gatland and Sir Ian McGeechan and he went on to win 9 caps for England scoring 3 tries. To this day Tom still holds the record for the fastest ever Premiership try of 9.63 seconds! Tom retired in 2013 and went on to pursue a career in banking with Investec.
"He married Anna Wood in 2015 and they welcomed their son, Oscar in 2018. Shortly after they gave up the bright lights of London for country life in Northumberland. Tom was an instant hit within the community. He embraced country life enjoying shooting, stalking and Hunting with the West Percy. He then went on to set up his own business, Trevow, in vegetation management. It wasn’t long before he was helping with training sessions at the club and speaking at club events. The senior players couldn’t have enjoyed his sessions more. He always had fresh ideas and a wonderful way of relating to players of all levels. In recent years he has taken to coaching the minis, and I know he will be a huge miss to them.
"Tom’s death was a tragedy, but it bought the best out of the community with people travelling from all over the country to help look for him, and it was testament to the man. I know his family were very grateful and touched for all the support they have received.
"We at ARFC thank Tom for all his support over the years. Tom will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his wife Anna, son Oscar, mother Christine, sister Emily and the rest of his family. A great rugby player and an even better man."