Hundreds of bikers gathered in Nantwich to pay their respects and honour a young motorcyclist who died in an accident.
Motorcyclists from across the region turned out in force to a special “bike night” at the Peacock pub in honour of Josh Stockton last night (September 10).
Josh died after a collision with another vehicle on the A534 Crewe Road, Willaston a week ago on September 3.
The 22-year-old, a keen motorcyclist and skate-boader, died on his way to hospital, despite best attempts of paramedics to save him.
The Peacock carpark in Willaston was almost full by 6pm last night.
And at 6.37pm, the time of the accident, more motorcyclists from his ‘motorcycle family’ Rebel Ryderz arrived from all parts of the country to fill what little space remained.
Over the weekend, a shrine began to grow near the Willaston/Wistaston sign on Crewe Road.
A tree is now surrounded by flowers and his motorcycling jersey, helmet and wing mirror hanging from branches.
Heartfelt messages have been left by his family members and friends paying tribute to a popular, fun-loving young man who lived life to the full and was well known for his wit and riding skills.
Josh’s mum Jen told of the son who would “drop anything at a moment’s notice to help anyone” and never expected anything in return.
She described him as a “joker with and infectious sense of humour” as well as a loyal friend who would often make Spotify playlists for friends during their low times.
She said: “Josh loved riding even from a very early age. He rode bikes, skateboards, scooters and everything in between.
“He did BMX racing, freestyle BMX, downhill mountain biking and eventually moved on to motorbikes.
“His first bike was a CBR125, fondly known as the Red Rocket and the thing had parts falling off it daily.
“There was nothing in the world he couldn’t fix with a ziptie and bit of leccy tape. Josh’s plan was to get into racing and eventually ride the Isle of Man TT.
“For his 21st birthday his dad bought him his race licence and I spent the day with him on track obtaining this.
“He was hypnotic to watch, he took countless videos on his go-pro while riding and would always watch them back and try see if he could do better, or show off how well he took a corner.
“Josh’s last track day was at Three Sister Circuit in Wigan. Myself, his brothers, close friends and girlfriend all by his side watching.”
Josh made friends easily often bringing new people to meet his mum.
“He could stop for fuel and bring a new friend home.
“Our home was always buzzing with people in and out daily and they call our house home and those friends became family and as boys do, would usually rock up bang on tea time and Josh would say “fancy cooking dinner Ma” and I’d sigh and say “how many tonight matey”?. His response would be “11….ish” and then he’d give me ‘that’ smile.”
Josh was a talented chef. He had been due to start work at GOAT in Nantwich after previously working at Cottons Hotel, Knutsford as sous chef and was looking forward to the new role in Nantwich.
He was on his way to see one his many friends at the time of the accident.
Jen continued: “Josh’s girlfriend Lily has been with me since the accident happened. She turned his head like no other, he was completely besotted with her and would have married her.
“His friends, I am eternally grateful for. They have suffered the same loss and yet have found the strength and courage to be here for Lily and I. They have camped on sofas and floors since the accident.”
Josh’s popularity in the motorcycling community, in particular with the Rebel Ryderz group, brought motorcyclists of all ages to the Peacock.
Jen added: “I cannot put into words how grateful we are to them all. We could not have done this without them. I am so proud of them and love them all from the bottom of my heart.”
A Josh Stockton Memorial GoFundMe page is set up to support the family and to donate to Air Ambulance.
It reads: “Josh was a remarkable young man whose presence was a true gift to everyone that had the honour of spending time with him. His soft heart and kind nature made people gravitate towards him and his infectious smile left a mark on us all.
“He loved riding and was immensely skilled on the road and we are left in shock that he is no longer beside us. Though his time has been cut short his impact has been immeasurable and he leaves behind a legacy of countless acts of kindness, laughter and light.”
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