A YOUNG motorbike rider killed when he collided with a lamp post wanted to set up his own workshop and move in with his girlfriend, it has emerged.

Laurence Cawley

A YOUNG motorbike rider killed when he collided with a lamp post wanted to set up his own workshop and move in with his girlfriend, it has emerged.

Gary Evans, 21, of Norman Road, Bury St Edmunds, was taken to West Suffolk Hospital after the crash in Fornham Road, at the junction with Tollgate Lane in Bury at 9am on Sunday, but died shortly after.

His girlfriend of five years Rebecca Johnson yesterday told how Mr Evans had given her the best years of her life and said she could not believe he was gone.

She told how the pair of them had a lot planned for the year including setting up a home together and founding a garage and workshop business for Mr Evans.

Miss Johnson, 20, said: “I really can't believe it. He was very popular and he was very passionate about his work. He just loved it and he was so good at it. He had such a bright future. He was going to start up his own business.

“I loved him so much. He was always happy and he was always there for you. He would do anything for you, he was so fun to be around. He was just a really, really nice guy.

“He had such a good year ahead of him. So many people liked him. He has given me the best five years of my life and it is going to be very hard not to have him.

“It is just such a shock. I never in a million years could have imagined this might happen. I'm devastated, he was my best friend as well and I just can't bear the thought of never seeing or hearing his voice again. He was my childhood sweetheart and my soul mate.”

Mr Evans grew up in Bury and went to County Upper School before taking on a job at Tollgate Tyres in Bury.

In his spare time he was restoring a Ford RS Turbo.

Miss Johnson said efforts were now underway to get the car finished in time for his funeral next week.

Police have urged anybody who witnessed the crash or had seen a red and black motorbike and blue VW Golf heading towards Bury from the B1106 or Barton Hill yesterday morning to come forward.

Anybody with information should contact Pc Gary Buss at the serious collision investigation team on 01473 613500.

Mr Evans's funeral will take place on May 7 at 2.15pm at West Suffolk Crematorium in Risby, near Bury.