We were due to fly to Dublin at 6:55am on 16 November 2001 from Stansted with Ryanair with 6 friends for a 40th birthday. However on 08 November 2001 we were informed that a close relative (uncle) of my wife's had died. Later that day we were informed that funeral will be at 1pm in North Yorkshire on 16 November 2001, date of our flight.

We did not wish to let our friends down, so emailed and rang Ryanair to ask if in the circumstances could swap to a flight on Saturday morning. They have refused, stating that an uncle is not a close enough relative, unless we can get a copy of the death certificate.

I realise they need a policy of some sort for cancellations but surely in these type of circumstances some help can be given. How they expect us to ask for a copy of the death certificate at a time like this is beyond me. My wife was exceptionally close to her uncle and is obviously very upset and this is only adding to her distress.

I could perhaps understand Ryanair problem if we wanted to cancel but we don't, we want to use their service but on another day. We have also sent a letter on 10 November 2001 guaranteed next day delivery and a fax on 12 November 2001 but so far we have received no response. To add to my frustration they do not seem to publish contact phone numbers or email addresses for areas within their organisation. Please help !