Motorbiker John Stanley remembered by friends in tributes

John Stanley, of Bradford, was travelling along the M6 Southbound, between junctions 42 and 41, Cumbria, when he was involved in a crash.

The incident, which took place at 8.10pm on Sunday (April 23), involved Mr Stanley's blue motorcycle and a van.

He died in hospital on Monday, Cumbria Police said. 

A big part of the region’s motorcycling community, Mr Stanley loved photography and adventures on his motorbike, a Honda C90 Cub. 

Those who knew him have told how he helped raise thousands for charity and became the go-to photographer at events. 

Claire Colston said: “I am absolutely devastated by this news. John and I messaged most weeks where we spoke about photography and shared cheesy jokes. 

“I have some wonderful pictures he took of me when we saw each other at a bike festival. He was the resident photographer at Cub Fest, where I shall now step up as their professional photographer. I could never fill his boots though. 

“Such a kind, jolly, crazy but caring man. He was one in a million. I feel for all his family and friends. He was so obviously, absolutely devoted to his wife, kids and grandchildren.

"Thanks John from Bradford, the community shall never forget you mate.”

Paul Morgan said: “John was a real down-to-earth biker, while I was in hospital in 2020 he came to visit me a number of times.

"He always asked if I needed anything and even bought me a pizza on one Sunday afternoon.

"A very generous Yorkman, he wouldn't take a penny for the pizza or other items he gave me. I will miss him as a friend and a biker, may he rest in peace.”

John Nuttall said: “RIP John, having met several times in the past when out motorcycling on his awesome gadget-laden "once seen, never forgotten" (as was John) Honda 90, a real character who will be sadly missed for his contribution to the motorcycle community. Sincere condolences to family, friends and all who knew John, a true Knight -of-the-Road - John N (Honda PCX 125 [among others]).”

Mike Taylor was one of the organisers of the event John was travelling home from. 

Mr Stanley had won an award for his bike and helped raise £4,000 for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance. 

His friend said: “John was a great guy with a cracking eye for photos and I very much enjoyed our exchanging of critiques towards our own individual styles. John really did inspire folk to get out on their bike and see the world. He'll be missed.”

Family's appeal

It comes after his family shared an emotional tribute to their beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather. 

In a statement, his family said: “The sudden and unexpected loss of John has left a void in our lives that cannot be filled. John was one-of-a-kind.

"He was a husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend to all. A very proud Yorkshireman, but an even bigger family man who always put family first.

“John was an adventurer and couldn’t wait to put his boots and helmet on before setting off on a new adventure on his motorbike, a Honda C90 Cub, taking his camera to capture moments along the way to share with family and friends upon his return.

“He was so generous, almost to a fault, helping anyone who needed it.

“As a family, we are happy to say that John lived life to the fullest and had only recently said how he had ticked off everything he wanted to on his bucket list.

"We ask that if you saw the motorcycle pictured on the date of the collision or have dashcam footage, please contact Cumbria Police with any information you may have.”

Officers at Cumbria Police are investigating the circumstances around the incident and would like to hear from witnesses or those with dashcam footage.

People can report information online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, or email at sciu@cumbria.police.uk, quoting incident number 185 of April 23, 2023.

People can also phone 101.

Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.