VIDEO: Hundreds of bikers pay respect on last ride of Sheffield man Sam

That much was made clear by the number of bikers - many who knew him, even more who didn’t - that accompanied him on his last ride this morning.

Sam was just 20 when he died in a road accident in Oughtibridge on April 16. He was on his way to a charity motorcycle show.

Hundreds of bikers gathered at Fox Valley in Stocksbridge on this morning before accompanying the funeral cortege to Grenoside Crematorium.

Traffic was at a standstill for close to 20 minutes as superbikes, Harleys and classic trikes joined together in a familial show of respect.

The noise of the bikers revving their engines was impressive to witness, and many Fox Valley visitors stopped in the middle of their Saturday morning shop to take photos and film the spectacle.

Andy Nolan, of the Crazy Crew group that counts Sam and his parents as members, was one of many to join the ride.

He said: “Sam was full of energy and full of life. He was always smiling.

“He was a genuine bright light gone too soon.”

The group holds regular rallies and meets to socialise often. Sam had only been part of the group for a short time, but had quickly become a popular figure.

“We couldn’t do anything else to pay our respects,” said Andy.

“We are like a family outside a family. Everyone looks after and cares for everyone else.

“The biker community is a family in itself. It would be unthinkable not to be here.”

Trish Harrison, known as Posh, came from Rotherham to be part of the procession.

She said: “Sam will be really missed by all of us.

“He was larger than life - it was all about Sam. We knew he was there and he always made everyone smile.

“He made quite an impression - he couldn’t help himself. And he had a heart of gold.”

The procession included bikers of all ages representing various groups. From bright red Mohawk haircuts and Viking-style beards to coloured racing leathers, all biker styles were represented - including several police bikers who joined in on their day off.

“It doesn’t matter what group your are in - you meet so many people,” said Trish.

“We are all a pretty close knit family, everyone of us.”

Money was raised for the Children’s Hospital Charity.

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