BIKERS rode in honour of an "incredible" charity worker as family and friends came together to bid her a final farewell.

A funeral service was held for Julie Gawne, known for her work at Kidderminster's Happy Staffie Rescue, who passed away last month following a battle with breast cancer.

Julie was a fundraising manager for the dog rescue centre and was also involved in other charity groups, including the Redditch Charity Bikers.

Bikers from the charity led Julie‘s final journey to Wyre Forest Crematorium today (Friday, March 1), on what would have been her 47th birthday.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Julie or Ju, as she’s known by her family, leaves behind her husband Jay, daughter Sammi, and two granddaughters, Zoe and Lily.

During the service funeral celebrant Sarah Crabbe read out tributes from family.

Julie was described as a "much-loved personality" who made supporting dogs her "life's work."

The celebrant said: "She was incredibly proud of her family. She lived for them.

"She was surrounded by her loving family until the end".

Her husband Jay said in a statement it was "an honour" to be married to her.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Sally Stead, Julie's cousin, said: "Julie was always the sort of person that always made you feel proud. She was that person you all wished to be, but knew you would never measure up to. She would go the extra mile for anyone. Whatever you needed, be it a person or an animal.

"If you were hungry, she'd give you the food off her plate. If you were cold, the coat off her back. And, if it was money, whatever her purse would allow and more".

The family thanked those who attended the service and the District Nurse care team "for all the care and devotion they showed Julie enabling her to stay at home with family as she wished".

Donations have been collected in aid of the Millbrook Suite at Kidderminster Hospital and the Redditch charity bikers group who are collecting to repair a local defibrillator.