Hundreds of bikers pay tribute to Douglas, 16
HUNDREDS of bikers from across the UK have turned out to escort the body of a Lanarkshire teenager on his final journey after a viral appeal.
Douglas Barclay, 16, passed away at the beginning of this month. As an organ donor, the young man has managed to save three lives.
The Motherwell youngster suffered from West syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy which causes prolonged and repeated seizures.
He died after suffering a seizure that stopped his heart, resulting in a brain injury from lack of oxygen, a family member said.
Yesterday morning, Douglas’ loved ones were left overwhelmed by the support as hundreds of men and women on motorbikes turned out in their finest leathers.
The procession left Scotia Street i n Motherwell at 9.30am and escorted Douglas on his last journey to Holytown Crematorium.
As soon as they started making their way to the crematorium, the community started clapping their hands to honour the youngster.
David Kerr, 28, a prisoner custody officer, said: “I’ve been good friends with Craig [Douglas’ uncle] since I was about 17 and we’ve always went about together.
“We stayed i n touch and it ended up becoming a biking community, we would go out together on ride outs.
“I wasn’t actually in contact with Douglas but it was just paying respect to a friend.
“He called me the night when he was in hospital and we obviously had a chat and I said if he needed me I would always be there.”
Both joiners and business partners, Tom Brown and James Martin, came to show support for the youngster.
Tom Brown, 55, f rom Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, said: “It was through Facebook that I found out.
“I am a member of Clyde Valley Harley Davidson Owners Group and a member of the Window Sons of Scotland members group.
“Again through social media, I got a call for a biker who lost his nephew, young Douglas Barclay.
“I phoned round a few of my friends and rallied some people together and here we are showing some respects to him and his family.”
James Martin, 54, from Blackwood, South Lanarkshire, said: “It’s been a hard time for the wee fella.
“He’s not had a hard crack at life. He’s also over and above that, he has saved another three lives with his organ donations.
“You can’t help but come and support the family. I try and go out as much as I can.”
As the ceremony finished, an emotional Craig gathered with all the bikers to thank them for their support.