A great send off for a popular man.

Those are the sentiments of the family and friends of David Read today after more than 250 people turned out to say their final goodbyes to the popular biker.

The 35-year-old, of Norbury Road, Ipswich, died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital a week after he suffered severe head injuries in a collision outside Suffolk One in Shepherd Drive.

David, who grew up in Felixstowe and attended Deben High School, was airlifted to the Cambridgeshire hospital after his motorbike and a car collided on April 24.

At his funeral on Friday, a cavalcade of about 30 motorbikes followed his hearse from Felixstowe, along the A14, before reaching Seven Hills Crematorium.

A wake was then held at Felixstowe Ferry, where people also helped to raise funds for the Neuro-Critical Treatment Unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

David’s brother Mike, 33, said: “We were more than happy with the turn out – it was a good send off.

“It was really nice to meet his friends that we didn’t know and so many people have written letters and cards. It was just a really good atmosphere – it was a proper celebration.

“David was very outgoing, he was always there to help everybody.”

As well as letters and cards, some of David’s friends presented his mum, Barbara, with a bike helmet which had messages of condolence written on.

One of David’s closest friends Gary Latimer, 50, said: “The actual cavalcade came together very nicely with the bikers and the whole thing was very sad but I think from the wake onwards, it got back into normal Dave mode and we were just talking about all the stories and funny things.

“Everyone has got their own stories to tell about him – he was one hell of a character.

“He is definitely going to be sadly missed.”

Although the final tally is not yet known, it is thought about £2,000 has been raised from the wake and online donations for the unit at Addenbrooke’s.