BIKERS from around the country gathered to celebrate the life of a woman who had been welcomed into the motorcycle community.

Kim Pickering died aged 65 after a battle with cancer on June 6. She was told in April the disease had spread to her lung, liver and spine and only had until Christmas to live.

The time frame was then reduced to four months after another check-up but unfortunately she died just seven weeks after being diagnosed.

Ms Pickering had only got into motorcycling after meeting partner Thomas Bowman four years ago but had taken it to her heart.

The couple lived together in Lawford but had both previously resided in the Clacton area and Mr Bowman rode into Weeley Crematorium last Thursday on his motorcycle behind the specially adapted hearse made out of a sidecar.

Mr Bowman continues to ride despite having a prosthetic leg and paid tribute to his late partner.

“She was a wonderful lady and was accepted into the biker community and lifestyle with me and grew to have lots of friends which was proven at the funeral,” he said.