Hundreds turn out in motorbike convoy to pay tribute to Jack Lacey, who died aged 4

Meeting at The Admiral Rodney pub in Loxley, huge crowds gathered wearing blue in tribute to Jack, after his father Wesley organised the convoy on social media for his “massive bike fan” son.

Motorcycle clubs and individual riders came from far and wide, including across Yorkshire, Liverpool and Cleethorpes.

Once assembled, the convoy, estimated by some in attendance to number close to two thousand, made its way through Hillsborough towards Grenoside Crematorium, where the riders will wait as Jack’s family say their goodbyes to their beloved son.

It will then escort the family back to Wisewood Cemetery.

The biker community was unified in its respect for Jack and his family, with many saying they felt a personal connection to the tragedy.

Lynne Cartledge, a member of the GoldWing Owners Club from Burncross, said: “We are here because the little lad didn’t get to have a life.

“We want to celebrate the short life that he did have and to show our respects to the family.”

Her husband, John, added: “Bikers have come from far and wide to say goodbye to this little boy. A lot of people here did not know the family personally, but the biker community always comes together to support each other.”

Cliff Tween rode over from Cleethorpes to attend the convoy. He said: “I lost my wife to lung cancer five years ago, so I have a personal connection to this.

“This little lad wanted to be a biker, but he never had the chance. It is important to me to show my respect.

“The turnout shows that a lot of people feel this way. I reckon there is two thousand here.”

And Jan Ledger, of the Steel City Riders, spoke about how many people there had made a special effort to support the Lacey family.

“I have children and grandchildren of my own,” she said. “I am so lucky that they are healthy. This is such a sad day for all of us. The biking community always rallies together in times of need.

“So many have brought their bikes out especially for this. I haven’t brought mine out since last October, but it was important to come for this.

“Jack’s parents should be proud.”

When he organised the convoy for his son, Wesley Lacey said: “I'm looking for as many bikers as physically possible to join the procession.

“I want to make this absolutely epic. I want it to be absolutely massive.”

Jack Lacey, from Loxley, was just three when he was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour last year.

Doctors told his devastated family he had an average life expectancy of just one year.

He passed away at home on February 10, with parents Wesley Lacey and Rebecca Oldham, and sister Charlotte.

In his final year his family set up a fundraiser which attracted £45,000 and allowed them to complete a “bucket list” of activities with Jack, including a helicopter ride and going to Disneyland.