Southampton bikers needed to give man a fitting send off

Barry Barnes died from lung cancer on November 1 at the age of 83 and had not been in contact with any of his blood relations for more than 30 years.

Channan Wheeler, 28, and Rob Wheeler, 39, said that Barry was a 'like a father' to them and have been appealing for motorcycle lovers to give Barry a cavalcade of honour on the way to his funeral on Thursday.

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Barry with Channan and Rob's daughter Kyra aged 8 (Image: Submitted)

So far, 12 people have come forward - but the pair want even more.

Rob said: “I met Barry through my father when I was about 9 – he has been my ‘stand in father’ ever since.

“He was a cheeky character and would always go out of his way to help others. He was such a loving soul. He absolutely adored our daughter Kyra, and he was such a huge lover of our dogs.

“Barry was only five foot and two inches tall but that didn’t stop his love of riding.

“He couldn’t even reach the floor on his prize bike – his red and chrome Triumph Thunderbird 900 – but he absolutely loved it all the same.”

Barry's red and chrome Triump Thunderbird 900 (Image: Submitted)Channan said: “He was scheduled to have a funeral service lasting 15 minutes with only three hymns played. 

“We wanted to honour his memory. We want him to go out with the roar of motorbikes as he would have wanted.

“Goodnight to you up there pops; thank you for everything you did for us, we love you to the moon and back and can’t wait to see you again.”

Those that wish to take part in the procession can meet the group at 9am on Thursday at the old Moorgreen Hospital site, with the hearse carrying Barry expected to arrive at 9.10am.

From there, the convoy will head to Wessex Vale Crematorium at 9.30am for the funeral.

Channan continued: “We want Barry to have the ride out he deserves for touching us as he did – the more the merrier.”