Ipswich: Hundreds attend to celebrate the life of Ben Jacobs

The funeral of Ben Jacobs was held on Wednesday at Venue16 in Ipswich, just over a month after he was killed following a crash involving two cyclists and a car.

He was taken from the offices of funeral directors GM Taylor in Ipswich at midday on a Tandem Hearse that was ridden by his son, Tom, and a professional cyclist, being joined by the men he was with the day of the incident.

The Tandem Hearse with Ben Jacobs on that escorted him to the funeral. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The Tandem Hearse being ridden by a professional cyclist and Mr Jacob's son, Tom. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Ben Jacobs was killed in a crash in Bentley last month. Credit: Contributed (Image: Contributed)

As they passed the family home, a further 20 cyclists joined in with the journey to escort him.

About 100 runners then joined in at Tuddenham Road, many from Felixstowe Road Runners, which Mr Jacobs was a member of.

They then formed a guard of honour for Mr Jacobs and his family who went into the service.

Runners and cyclists accompanying Ben Jacobs to Greshams. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mr Jacobs was a popular figure in the Parkrun scene, being one of the race directors for the weekly Ipswich event. 

He was also a keen cyclist and swimmer.

Adele Chaplin, a close family friend and the celebrant for the service, said: "It was a really well-attended service.

The hearse, being led by Mr Jacobs' family, wife Faye and children, Holly and Olivia, with son Tom on the Tandem bike. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mr Jacobs being carried into the service. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"It's been a great example of Ipswich's running community, all the different branches of running in Ipswich and Suffolk coming together to celebrate a much-loved man.

"It was an uplifting and positive ceremony, with people celebrating him.

"There were tears, but also laughter."

The streets lined with runners and cyclists, forming a guard of honour for Ben Jacobs. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Runners helping to escort Mr Jacobs. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mr Jacobs and and his wife Faye's wedding song, How Do I Live, was played, with a collage of pictures over the top, as well as one of Mr Jacobs' favourite pieces of music, Parisian Walkways by Gary Moore.

The guard of honour welcoming Ben and his family. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Some of the cyclists that helped to escort Ben to the service. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

In a tribute after Mr Jacobs died, he was described by members of his family as a "brilliant husband" and a "diligent and warm-hearted person".