We are trying to raise money towards the cost of a funeral and memorial service for our dear stepfather and friend, John Dennison.

We were deeply saddened by John's sudden passing at his home in Laon, France, on the 18th of August 2025. As many of you know, John had suffered two previous heart attacks, and his health and mobility had become increasingly difficult in recent years. Sadly, another fatal heart attack took him from us.

John was a pillar of the international rugby and educational communities, dedicating his life to bringing people together through sport, history, and remembrance. As the founder of Francourt Events and a respected member of numerous clubs and societies, his boundless energy and enthusiasm touched countless lives. His dedication to WW1 and WW2 historical projects led to him co-founding the Rugby Memorial Project and orchestrating countless rugby tournaments and tours. Specifically, commemorative events such as the VE80 vets rugby tour in Lincoln in May 2025. A day to celebrate Victory in Europe Day and commemorate fallen heros and their legacies. Alongside his historic projects, John was a highly respected referee for Rugby Football Union and mentored young athletes and students across the UK, France, and beyond, John's legacy of bringing people together will never be forgotten. He spent decades building bridges and teaching the values of teamwork and heritage, truly believing in sport’s potential to bring people together.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tributes-paid-rugby-legend-who-35783323

John gave so much of his time, passion, and energy to everyone around him. Following his sudden passing, his family and close friends are coming together to arrange a funeral that truly reflects the incredible impact he had on our lives. To help us give John the dignified send-off and lasting memorial he deserves, we are inviting his wide community of friends, colleagues, and athletes to join us in honoring his legacy. Your support will directly help us create a beautiful final tribute to a man who gave so much to others.

We would like to thank you for any small contribution you are able to make. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a massive difference. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with your own networks to help us reach everyone who knew and loved John. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and for keeping John’s memory alive.

A memorial service is due to be held for John the week commencing the 17th of August in Kent, UK. We would welcome those who wish to come along and honour his life but ask that you contact us for more details and let us know if you plan to attend, so that we can be aware of numbers (rc-anderson@hotmail.com)

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