Over 100 people attend Motorbike ride-out in memory of Jake Brawn

Over 100 people attended a motorbike ride-out from in memory of Taunton teenager, Jake Brawn, yesterday evening.

Friends and family from all over Somerset attended the ride-out sporting t-shirts and wrist bands saying 'RIP Jake Brawn 1993 – 2012'.

Jake Brawn lost his life two weeks ago when he was riding alongside three friends on his motorbike on Blagdon Hill. His bike left the road and collided with the tree.19-year-old Jake died shortly after.

Everyone at the ride-out agreed that the two things they miss the most about Jake are his passion for biking and his smile.

When the procession of motorbikes and cars left Hankridge in Taunton at 7pm, beeping, shouting and whooping could be heard across the park as they headed towards Minehead.

His Father , Kevin Brawn, attended and brought Jake's ashes along with him in the car: "Not many people know but Jake is the guest of honour tonight. He's riding alongside me in the car.

"I am so proud that all these people came to this just to pay tribute to Jake. I cannot thank them enough.

"What can you say about Jake that isn't obvious? I loved him so much and still do. We were very close and he loved his bike.

"He was always happy, smiling and laughing and he loved bikes. Motorbikes were his real passion, you couldn't get him off a bike if you wanted to – that's why I feel this is so fitting."

His Mother, Jayne Neunzer who lives in Telford was also at the ride-out wearing her best fringed leather biker jacket and trousers:

"Jake was a lovely boy and he was always happy. He loved everyone; all of his friends and family. Him and his girlfriend were meant to be coming up to see me in Telford this week, we tried to stay very close.

"He had such a wonderful smile and love of life, that's what I'll miss the most about him."

Jake's girlfriend of one year, Erika Trott, attended the ride-out and felt she still hadn't fully taken in what had happened to Jake:

"I just feel numb at the moment, I'm not sure what to say or feel.

"I loved him a lot and was very close with some of his family. He was an amazing guy and he treated me like a princess. I am going to miss him so much.

"I loved his smile, everyone says it, but it's true, it really was his best feature."

A funeral was held for Jake on Tuesday (August 28) exactly two weeks after he lost his life, around 250 people attended.

His sister, Sonya Brawn who organised the ride-out was making the rounds with a collection pot  to go towards a charity in Jake's memory. She said the funeral was a fantastic tribute to his life:

"We counted to 200 and lost count, the church was completely packed. It just goes to show how much he meant to so many people"

Stephen Garrad, 19, first met Jake when he was 11 years old at Ladymead Community School in Taunton and they remained friends for eight years:

"There was never a dull moment when Jake was involved; he was so happy and was always up for a laugh.

"The first time I rode a motorbike was with him and I'll always remember that. The guy really loved bikes, I mean we all do here but that's why this ride-out is important because they really meant a lot to him."

Find the photo-gallery of the ride-out here.