Southampton’s biker community will gather for an emotional farewell to much-loved biker Carol "Bubbles" Carr.

Riders from all over the country will join a 300-strong convoy in memory of Carol “Bubbles” Carr when they say their last goodbyes at her funeral on Friday, March 7.

Tragically it comes the week before the former Southampton Toy Run and Easter Egg run organiser was due to host a huge reunion for hundreds of fellow bikers from across the country.

Now friends vow they will keep her dream alive by still holding the reunion in her memory a week after the service at Southampton Crematorium.

Ms Carr, from Bitterne, was killed when her Yamaha 900 bike was in collision with a grey Vauxhall Insignia in Moorhill Road, West End, on Tuesday last week.

The 50-year-old nanny set up biker convoys ferrying toys and chocolates to disabled youngsters and children’s care homes during the 1980s and 1990s and hosted regular fundraising Bubbles Balls in Southampton Guild Hall.

The St John Ambulance sister, who volunteered at Cedar School for youngsters with learning difficulties, had spent the last year planning the reunion. It unites Southamp-ton’s riders, those that supported her runs and bikers she met at rallies as far away as the Shetland Islands.

Lisa Neale, from Sholing, is among close friends finalising the event.

The 47-year-old, who knew Ms Carr for 25 years, said: “The reunion was her baby – her little face lit up when she was talking abou it.

“The whole idea was to get people together for a happy occasion.

“It’s so tragic that she is not here to see it, but we still want to keep it a happy event as that is what she wanted.”

She added: “The last few days have been so hard. It’s like a bad dream that you are waiting to wake up from.

“She had a heart of gold and was one of the most honest and thoughtful person I’ve known.”

Kirsty Darcy, 45, also from Sholing, who knew Ms Carr for nearly 30 years, said: “She had been planning it for a long time and always wanted to get people together. It’s nice that something can be done in her honour. If it was someone else she would have been there for it.

Ms Carr’s younger brother, Adi, of Bournemouth, released a message saying: “Miss you Big C, love little bruv.”

The funeral hearse will arrive to meet the convoy at 11.15am outside the Bittern Pub in Thornhill Park Road before the 30 minute ride to the cemetery.

The reunion takes place in The Station Pub, Bullar Road, Bitterne, on Saturday, March 15, and features live music from band Recluse.