Prayers said following sudden death of the Dean of Ripon

The Very Reverend Keith Jukes died suddenly at the age of 59 in Harrogate District Hospital on Tuesday, May 21, hours after being admitted.

Two days before he died, he had written an announcement to be read at services in Ripon Cathedral, where he told the congregation he had been unwell and  tests revealed a growth in his upper abdomen which doctors were convinced was cancerous.

Today prayers for Mr Jukes and his family were said at Ripon Cathedral. His funeral is due to take place at the cathedral on Friday, May 31, with a service starting at 1.30pm. Prior to that, there will be an informal meeting with his family and members of the cathedral from noon.

People are invited to bring a palm-sized stone to add to a cairn that will be created in his memory inside the cathedral.

Mr Jukes had been Dean of Ripon for six years, taking up the post in 2007, following eight years as vicar at Selby Abbey. He was married with two children.