BIKERS from throughout the North West turned out in force to give a thundering send-off to Haydock granddad Johnny Hill.

The 63 year-old motorcycle fanatic and trike builder was a larger-than-life character and people lined the streets as a convoy of bikes and trikes joined the procession from Haydock to St Helens Crematorium.

Haydock came to a standstill and the mourners stopped outside the Catholic Club where he was a member before the colourful cortege then headed up the East Lancs Road for the committal service at the crematorium.

Steel erector Johnny, leaves a wife, Jean, to whome he was married for 40 years, a son, Michael, daughters Clare and Jacqueline and three grandchildren.

Jean told the Star: “He was tough but a big softy at heart and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”
She was overwhelmed by the turnout and the many kind messages received.

Johnny’s niece Collette Jackman said: “It was an amazing sight, we estimate over 450 people turned-up and they couldn’t all fit in the crematorium. It was a brilliant send-off, Uncle Johnny would have been so proud.”

And his sister, Janet Jackman, recalled: “He liked a laugh and brought smiles to kids faces when he rode out on his trike dressed as Father Christmas.”