Donna's last ride on bike (From Stroud News and Journal)

Donna's last ride on bike

BIKER Donna Proctor will be taken on one last ride through the Cotswolds by family and friends before she is laid to rest.

The 49-year-old, who was born and grew up in Chalford, was killed in a road accident on the A40 in Cheltenham on Sunday April 9.

Before her funeral Donna will be taken on a trip through the countryside in a special motorcycle sidecar large enough to carry a coffin.

Paul Sysum, Donna's partner of 19 years, said it is what she would have wanted.

"We would like everybody who knew Donna to come along, particularly if it's by bike", he said.

"Donna had passed her driving test to drive a car but for her biking was more than a hobby, it was a passion.

"I remember once when we were going 300 miles to Northumberland and it was cold and raining so I took the car but Donna rode all the way and got off her bike smiling at the end of it."

Paul said that although she moved to Gloucester 10 years ago she was a Chalford girl.

"Her heart never left Chalford - we were planning to return there in the very near future."

Paul shared Donna's love of bikes and the couple met through the Motorcycle Action Group.

As part of her work for the group she debated with MPs over motorcycle issues and organised parties and social events.

For the past 18 years Donna and Paul have been organising Easter parties for friends and fellow bikers from all over the country.

The couple have even had guests from France and Belgium turning up.

The party will go ahead for the 19th year but it will be the last one.

"It will be the sort of send-off Donna would appreciate", said Paul.

Donna's funeral will take place at Westerleigh crematorium at 11am on Thursday April 20.