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Hundreds to flock to Rob funeral
HUNDREDS will pay their respects to Tigers hero Rob Woffinden at his funeral in Scunthorpe tomorrow.
Woffinden died aged just 47 after a year-long battle with cancer. One of his closest friends, Sheffield owner Neil Machin, was with him at the end and has led the long line of tributes to the former Owlerton favourite.
Said Machin: "People are flying in from all parts of the world for Rob's funeral. Steve Johnston, who is also a former Sheffield rider, has brought forward his return to the UK early just to be there.
"Typical of Rob, he decided he didn't want flowers, only donations to the Speedway Riders' Benevolent Fund. It's a cause which was always close to his heart and how ironic that the fund will benefit from his passing.
"I expect hundreds, if not thousands of pounds to be raised for the 'Ben' Fund and that's something which would please Rob.
"It's going to be a tough day for many, I feel as though I've been in denial through all this but when it finally happened it hit home. Within the last 18 months I've lost three of my closest friends in Darren and Sharon Boocock and now Woffy.
"The Boococks were in my life for 20 years and Woffy for 27 years. It's a huge loss; I just can't believe it's happened.
"I'm sure Rob will be given the send-off he deserves. There will be former world champions there tomorrow and some of his closest friends from Australia will be there.
"And I'm sure his son, Tai, who is also my godson, will go on and do him proud. Rob has done everything possible to prepare Tai for this situation and the young man is intelligent. He went out and rode his bike the day after his Dad died!
"He's one of Great Britain's hottest prospects and the inspiration left by Rob will go on and help Tai."
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
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Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
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