Express & Star

Great-grandmother, 99, taken to final resting place with Harley-Davidson funeral procession

Roaring Harley-Davidson motorcycles joined a 99-year-old for her final journey.

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The funeral of Kay Matthews from Cannock

Before thrill-seeker Kay Matthews died on October 13 she arranged for a procession of Harley-Davidsons to lead her funeral procession to St James the Great Church in Norton Canes on Friday.

Mrs Matthews, who lived at Rown Croft retirement home on Price Street, had completed sky dives in the past and two years ago she was given her first ride on a Harley-Davidson around Cannock.

WATCH: Harley-Davidsons prepare for procession

She then arranged for a motorcycle hearse to transport her to her funeral, which was held on Friday.

Around 100 people attended her funeral, and the riders stood in a guard of honour with their helmets in hand as they reached the church.

Mrs Matthews back in 2016 when she rode a Harley for the first time

Mrs Matthews was a self-declared thrill-seeker who had planned to do a wing walk when she turned 100.

Back in 2016 she confided in her hairdresser, Kaye Jenkinson, that she had always wanted to go on a Harley-Davidson, so Kaye went away and spoke to her husband Shaun, who is a member of the Wolfruna Chapter Harley Owners Group.

The pair organised a surprise for Mrs Matthews that saw 30 Harleys turn up at the home ready to take her for a ride.

GALLERY: Harley-Davidsons lead funeral procession

The funeral of Kay Matthews from Cannock
The funeral of Kay Matthews from Cannock
The funeral of Kay Matthews from Cannock
The funeral of Kay Matthews from Cannock
The funeral of Kay Matthews from Cannock
The funeral of Kay Matthews from Cannock
The funeral of Kay Matthews from Cannock

Chris Matthews, Mrs Matthews' son, said her funeral was 'absolutely astonishing'.

He said: "She had a funeral plan but I didn't know until one of her neighbours told us about the procession after she died and we thought it was wonderful."

Mrs Matthews had two sons, two granddaughters and one great-grandson.

She moved to Cannock with her late husband Dennis in 1993 from their home in Barlborough to be closer to their sons.

Mr Matthews added: "It was a real celebration and so many members of family and friends came, and all the residents from the flats where she lived. Cannock was the perfect place for her."