Hundreds of cyclists turn out for Willenhall teenager killed in crash

Members from the 16-year-old's cycling club Wolverhampton Wheelers arrived with scores of other riders to pay their respect and raise money for the youngster who died after a collision with a van last week.

John Ireson, chairman of Wolverhampton Wheelers, was humbled by the turnout.

He added: "It was phenomenal. Three hundred cyclists turned out as well as family, friends, teachers and those that knew him.

"It was led out by his brother, Craig Guy, and his parents and other family were there.

"It goes to show again, what a tight-knit community the cycling world is."

More than £3,000 was raised for the youngster's family at the event, while more than £5,000 has been donated online.

Mr Ireson added: "It showed a community join together, not just cyclists, but people from outside of cycling rallied together and contributed thousands of pounds in total – everyone's contribution, no matter how big or small, went to a good cause.

"Showing the solidarity, there were minutes' silences held across the country in other cycling events over the weekend.

"There will also be a minute's silence at Shropshire and South Staffs Road Race League and at the Halesowen cycling club later this week, where the book of condolences will be passed round.

"A total of £3,500 was raised at the event for his family and a further £5,000 has been raised online, of which proceeds will partly be going to the Air Ambulance Service."

As arrangements are being made for Joseph's funeral, his family have decided he will be led out by a group of cyclists, in a fitting tribute.

Wolverhampton cycling legend Hugh Porter reserved special praise for Joseph, recalling when he once briefly cycled alongside with him and his father.

Hugh added: "I once briefly cycled alongside him at a Carver's event about four year's ago.

"He was full of beans and I was a bit rusty at the time and he said to me 'come on, you've been a world champ, you can do it' as encouragement.

"So this is terribly sad, just tragic, he was a lovely guy."

Joseph died after colliding with a van near the A449 near Wolverhampton last week.

Bystanders attempted CPR to save him but he was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance staff.

To support the family, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rideforjoeguy.