Bike convoy at funeral fulfils teen's last wish

More than 100 bikers from across England took part in a funeral procession in order to fulfil the last wish of a 19-year-old who died of a rare bone cancer.

Petrolhead Mason Gentry-Brown loved motorbikes and the roar of a supercar engine but was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in July 2024.

The teenager, who grew up in Lawford in north Essex but lived in Hadleigh, Suffolk, endured treatments and lengthy hospital stays until his death 13 months later.

On Monday, bikers and drivers followed his funeral procession on what was called "Mason's final ride-out.

"He was just a massive petrolhead," said Callum Gentry-Brown, Mason's brother.

"He lived his life for cars and motorbikes, and it seemed the most fitting and appropriate way to see him out.

"If he was here, he would have loved it."

Despite knowing his cancer — which initially spread from his arm into his pelvis and lower spine — would eventually consume him, Mason refused to let it interrupt the funeral planning.

Callum said: "We were given a lot of grace.

"He was given the rare opportunity to plan and organise as much of his funeral and service as he could.

"So, organising this has been a lot easier because we know his wishes and what he wanted, and we've done everything to make him proud today."

His brother continued: "It's strange to look forward to a funeral, but I have been looking forward to his, and I think I'm going to enjoy it.

"There's no words to describe the sound of thousands of engines revving at the same time."

Callum said information about the funeral was posted online, which led to people from across England attending the ride-out.

Harry Routh and Chloe Campbell-King travelled from Kent in her Mini, representing a Mini owners' club.

The pair said it was really important for them to support their community by showing up.

Jason Bullard, who did not know Mason, travelled from Hintlesham in Suffolk and explained: "I was sat there last night and I was reading the article online, and it's a touching thing to do. It's a nice send-off.

He continued: "People all have something in common.

"We all love engines and we all love getting our hands dirty, and there aren't a lot of people in this day and age who actually want to do that."

Drew Long said he used to be best friends with Mason and said they rode bikes together.

"He would have loved it — it's a big turnout," he told the BBC.

"He definitely would have wanted this. Every day he was always out on bikes.

"Anything that made noise and went fast — he loved."

The Ride For Mason started in Bridge Street, in Hadleigh, before travelling through Lawford, and then on to St Mary's and St Michael's Church in Mistley, also in Essex, for his funeral service.

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