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Coronavirus Kent: Tributes to Gillingham motorcycle enthusiast Bill Stone who died from Covid-19

A grandfather and motorcycle fanatic who died from coronavirus was honoured at his funeral by riders who joined his cortège.

Bill Stone from Gillingham fell ill on Mother's Day and was passed into the care of Medway Maritime Hospital the following Thursday, March 26.

Bill Stone from Gillingham who passed away aged 72 from coronavirus
Bill Stone from Gillingham who passed away aged 72 from coronavirus

The 72-year-old, who was originally from Gravesend, died on Easter Sunday.

After being told he could not have any visitors, his daughter, Zoe – who works at the hospital in Windmill Road, Gillingham, as a clinical support worker – arranged for some of Bill's friends from his motorcycle club, Renegade MC, to greet him through the window.

Zoe said: "When he went in, we were told he wasn't eligible for critical care. He was on oxygen.

"I asked if I could take a couple of his bike friends up there and they revved their bikes for him, and the windows were opened for him to hear them."

Bill was then moved to ICU before he passed away.

Bill Stone's family and friends at Medway Crematorium in Blue Bell Hill
Bill Stone's family and friends at Medway Crematorium in Blue Bell Hill

Zoe added, "He gave a really good fight. The motorcycle club was his life; he was very well known by a lot of people."

Bill leaves behind wife Chris – who also works at the hospital as a hostess – three children, and eight grandchildren.

His send-off on Wednesday, April 29, saw members of Renegade MC join the hearse procession on their bikes, with Zoe and her brother Lee leading their father from the road in which he built his own home.

Zoe and Lee Stone lead the funeral procession for their father Bill Stone
Zoe and Lee Stone lead the funeral procession for their father Bill Stone

Family then attended the service at Medway Crematorium in Blue Bell Hill.

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