A final ride for gentle giant Spencer as people gather to celebrate his life

Spencer Rothwell-Poole, from Horwich, died from multiple injuries following a collision on December 15th, on Chorley Old Road which occurred as he was returning home from visiting his grandfather’s grave in Deane.

Family, friends and loved ones of Spencer were also joined by dozens of brightly coloured motorbikes and sports cars, which had been donated from local community biking groups, including Halsall Racing Team and Desi Biking Group.

The vehicles escorted the funeral procession from Rivington Barn to Howe Bridge Crematorium in Atherton that morning in what was described as ‘Spencer’s last ride’.

The bikes revved their engines in unison after arriving at the crematorium.

Dozens of motorbikes were outside Howe Bridge (Image: Leah Collins) Spencer’s father, Rick Poole, described his son as a “gentle giant” and “a thoughtful lad, who just wanted to help people” in a heartfelt tribute last month.

Spencer, who had autism, expressed a love for motorbikes from a young age. He dreamed of becoming a motorbike mechanic, or a police motorcyclist.

(Image: Leah Collins) The funeral service was led by Celebrant Rai Hirst, who opened the ceremony with the words, “we’ve come today to celebrate the life of a gentle giant, Spencer, who was nicknamed ‘GG’.

Mourners entering the crematorium (Image: Leah Collins) “One big family has come together to pay tribute to GG. We want to allow justice to take its course, we don’t want to spread anger.”

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Spencer’s coffin was adorned by a bouquet of colourful flowers, alongside a red and white floral display shaped in the letters ‘GG’.

(Image: Leah Collins) Members of Spencer’s close family and friends attended the service wearing shirts with the 22-year-old’s picture on the back.

A tribute from Josh Rothwell-Poole, Spencer’s elder brother was read out by Mr Hirst.

It stated: “Spencer was a fighter from day one.

“Doctors weren’t sure if he would make it when he was born, because he had a hole in his heart, but he made it.

(Image: Leah Collins) “He was a warrior. We were always together from children to adulthood. Last year was rough, with our mum being ill and passing away.

“Her passing greatly affected Spencer. For him, biking was a way of escaping his demons. Once he put on that helmet, he gained so much confidence in himself, he became a different person.

“Motorbikes were not just his passion; they were his escape.

Spencer Rothwell Poole (Image: Leah Collins)Thanking those who had contributed to the service, Rick said: “I wanted to thank a couple of people who were amazing in organising the service.

“My cousin, Paul Crook, was invaluable—I couldn’t have done it without him.

“Deighan’s Funeral Parlour have also helped us massively with the organisation, we are so grateful to have their help. Specifically, Rai Hirst, Ryan Hough and Ste Makin, as well as Rebecca Deighan and Ken and Shirley Deighan.”

“The Bolton News have been so helpful for us to get the message out there and let the community know about Spencer’s service.

“There was also Martin, who reached out to me from Halsall Racing Team, and they provided some of the bikes for the service.

“A Lady called Ellen Calderbank Helmet arranged the flowers in the shape of ‘GG’ for Spencer’s nickname, Gentle Giant. They turned out beautiful”

Spencer Rothwell Poole (Image: Leah Collins) Closing the service, Mr Hirst added: “Spencer was always a safe biker; he didn’t use his steed for speed.

“He was an exemplary biker, one of the best examples of good riding conduct.

“Spencer was a character, he loved to have a laugh. He used to use Febreze instead of aftershave, he joked that it was cheaper!

“Another one of the passions in his life was Bournemouth FC. He always wanted to support the underdog; that’s just the kind of person he was.

“The price we pay for love is grief. And this morning, this affects no one more than Spencer’s best friends, his dad and his brother.

“He has left a legacy. We take solace in the fact that he is reunited with his mum once again.”

Got a story? Email me at Leah.Collins@newsquest.co.uk 

Source – INDIA TV