A date has been set for the funeral for a couple who died in a helicopter crash.
Neston couple Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57, died when two helicopters crashed on Australia's Gold Coast on Monday, January 2. Queensland Police said the crash happened at around 2pm local time, when one helicopter was landing and another was taking off.
Ron and Diane were visiting family in Australia for the first time since the covid pandemic. They were among four people who lost their lives during the incident - the pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, and Vanessa Tadros, 36, also died.
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The couple's funeral will take place at St Mary & St Helens Church in Neston on February 9. In a public Facebook post, Lewis Ainsworth said: "Hello Everyone, as we tragically lost our amazing mum Diane Hughes and her husband Ron Ron Hughes too soon we would like to honour their lives with an equally amazing send off.
"We would love friends and family from far and wide to join us in celebrating the lives they lived to the fullest on Thursday 9th February 3pm at St Mary’s & St Helens Church in Neston CH64 9TZ, followed by Landican Crem in Arrowe Park CH49 5LW at 4pm. We will then follow on to celebrate both of their lives at The Bentley in Liverpool L2 0PL from 5pm.
"We would love for you to join both families at the Wake even if you are unable to attend the Funeral or Crem. Family flowers only please. A collection will be made on the day for the Red Cross."
After Ron and Diane's death, their family released a tribute, describing them as "loyal, fun-loving and generous."
They said: "We are deeply saddened and still in a state of shock from the events that unfolded on Monday. Ron and Diane arrived last week visiting our family on the Gold Coast after being separated by Covid for the last few years.
"They were the most generous, loyal, fun-loving couple who had a zest for life and were loved and adored by everyone they met. Tragedies like this happen to “other people” and we are all struggling to come to terms with our loss.
"They leave a huge hole in our family and will be survived by parents, brothers, sons, daughters, and their cheeky grandkids. On behalf of our Australian and UK family, we would like to thank all the first responders, emergency services and Sea World staff for their heroics in trying to save our loved ones.
"Our thoughts are with everyone impacted and we pray for the recovery of survivors still in hospital. Finally, the outpouring of love from our friends, family and the Gold Coast community has touched us all and will never be forgotten."
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