Funeral for Mark Felming set to have motorbike procession

Mark Fleming, known affectionately as "Flemo", died aged 51 at the scene of a collision involving his motorbike and a silver Kia Rio in Whitehall Road, Drighlington just after 9am on Saturday, September 28.

Mark's death has left a family devastated, with wife Jenny Fleming, and children Connor, Scarlett, and Ruby, asking for their privacy to be respected at this “desperately sad time”.

The tragic circumstances have also left the whole community in mourning, particularly at Drighlington ARLFC, where Mark was heavily involved and coached some of the young girls’ teams at the rugby club.

Close friend of the family, Susan Maynard, 37, from Morley, paid tribute to Mark in the week, saying he had the "biggest heart".

She shared details on her Facebook page yesterday of Mark's funeral, which will take place on October 30 at Cottingley Crematorium.

The family have invited all those who knew Mark to join them and a large attendance is expected.

There are plans for bikers - one of Mark's passions - to meet at 11am and lead the hearse from Denshaw Grove, in Morley to the crematorium for the service at 11.30am.

Susan's post said: "As you are all aware the Drig Rugby community lost a big part of their family this week.

"Mark was sadly taken on Saturday 28th of September without warning.

"He was a well-respected coach and was well known throughout the local community.

"Mark was a larger than life character and was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him.

"Mark's life revolved around 3 things, his family, his rugby, and his motorbikes.

"Jen, Connor, Scarlett & Ruby would like to invite everyone who knew Mark to join them in celebrating his life.

"This will take place at Cottingley Crematorium on the 30th of October at 11.30am.

"We are expecting a large attendance and space within the Crematorium is limited.

"Jen has requested that priority seating within the crematorium is given to family and close friends.

"The service will be broadcast outside for those who are unable to be seated.

"Family would then like to invite you to return to Drighlington Community Sports Club.

"In honour of Mark, the family have requested all bikers to lead the hearse from Denshaw Grove in Morley, meeting at 11am.

"To quote one of Marks favourite lines: 'Build it and they will come'".

Mark's daughter is playing in a semi-final with her rugby team this lunchtime at Drighlington against Batley ARLFC and the girls will pay tribute to the much-loved coach, dad, and community stalwart by having a two-minute applause prior to kick-off.

Susan told the Telegraph & Argus that one of Mark's friends, Gaz, organised for all of Drighlington ARLFC to get together and play touch and pass in the week.

The group then presented a shirt to Mark's son, with his dad's name and number on.

The whole community has also rallied together to raise funds to support Mark's family at such a tough time, donating via a GoFundMe page set up by Susan.

More than £4,000 of a £5,000 target had been raised earlier in the week but that has now been smashed, with £15,205 the total from 327 donations at the time of writing.

If you want to donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.

Scores of tributes were left at the scene of the crash earlier this week, near Whitehall Road's junction with New Lane, including a heartfelt message from Jenny.

West Yorkshire Police is continuing to investigate the crash.

The driver of the car involved in the collision was treated for minor injuries and later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Officers are appealing for witnesses as part of their enquiries.

Anyone who saw either vehicle just before the collision, or has information and or footage, is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 101, or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote log number: 444 of September 28.