Motorbikers ride out in tribute to tragic grandad
BIKER pals turned out in force to provide a two-wheeled cavalcade for the funeral of Andrew David Carne.
The 54-year-old grandfather retired as an HGV driver last year, because of ill health. He died on August 9 following an incident at his bungalow in Ravencroft in Helmshore.
A man has been arrested in connection with his death.
Andy was well-known and respected in the biking community and as the cortege lined up at funeral director Alderson and Horan, in Crawshawbooth, so did the bikers.
His wife Tracey, 49, said: “He owned four bikes and for several years Andy was manager and mechanic for our son Tom while he raced in British Superbike Championships. When his father died Tom didn’t speak for 12 days, he was that shocked and upset.” Four bikes were outriders ahead of the hearse and family limousine, then nearly 20 bikes followed behind. The cortege paused at the family home, before heading to Haslingden Cemetery for an open-air service and interment.
Meatloaf’s ‘ Bat Out Of Hell’ played as loved ones bore the coffin to the grave.
Former Haslingden High teaching assistant Tracey added: “Andrew’s send off was absolutely perfect in every way. His friends and family made it so special, and every biker who braved the weather and gave their time and effort and love, put an extra special spark on it. I was so overwhelmed by the support, love, attention, messages and offers of help that have come from far and wide as Andrew had family in Dubai, Australia, Birmingham and Italy and well-wishers sent their love and condolences from throughout the biking community. When I looked out yesterday and saw all the bikes I knew all the time, effort and energy I had put into his send off had been rewarded.
“It was like Andrew was looking down and smiling. He would have enjoyed that last ride with his friends.”
Andy was born in Birmingham but moved to Bacup as a boy, attending Britannia Primary School and Whitworth High.
His best friend Stuart Baron said: “He was a good lad and was all for his family. His death has been a tremendous shock to everyone.”
With Andy’s support, his son Tom was riding motorbikes from age six and won the Thundersport GB 125cc Championship in 2010. In 2013 Tom won the British 125 Championship/Triumph Young Guns.
Andy leaves father John, brothers John and Anthony, sister Sandra, wife Tracey, son Tom, now 27, daughter
Emma and five grandchildren.
A spokesman said: “We were called to reports of the sudden death of a man in Haslingden on August 9. A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance. He has since been released under investigation.”