A NORTH-EAST couple travelling home from France died in a crash when the husband suffered at heart attack while riding their motorcycle.

Malcolm Hagan, 56, died instantly from the attack while Beverley, 53, was killed by the impact of the crash.

The couple, of South Hylton, Sunderland, who “fell in love at first sight,”

were together for 37 years and had one daughter, Gemma Hagan-McGrandle, 32.

Today, their family spoke of their heartbreak at the loss of the “unique couple”.

Mr Hagan’s sister, Lynne Hagan, 59, said: “The only comfort that we can take from what happened is that they went quickly together.

“There was no pain, no anguish, and that is what we are focusing on.

“Gemma was their only child and she has been amazingly strong in these difficult times.

“Now, we just want to protect her.”

The keen bikers had been attending the annual Pan Gathering of The Northern Pan Riders, near Nancy in Northern France, when they were killed.

And in honour of them, friends and fellow riders will accompany the hearses carrying their coffins to Sunderland Crematorium for their joint funeral, at 1.30pm on Thursday (September 26). A wake will follow at The Alexandra pub, Grangetown.

Mr Hagan, a former squadron sergeant major, served in the Army for 25 years, including in Operation Desert Storm, in the Gulf War.

Their time as a service couple inspired years of charity work, which saw the pair helping to raise tens of thousands of pounds for various causes, and taking part in Rides of Respect at Wootton Bassett.

Donations are in lieu to Help the Heroes, visit www.justgiving.com/malandbev.