A  BUBBLY teenager who was killed in a car crash will be remembered this weekend.

Sixteen-year-old Alex Riley died in an accident on the B4380 near Bicton in December 2007 when the car in which she was a passenger lost control and hit a tree.

On Sunday, hundreds of scooter riders will stage a mass procession through Shrewsbury in her memory.

Former Grange School pupil Alex is survived by mum Carolyn Johnson, 38, brother Sam, 21, who is serving in 5 Rifles in Germany and is due to tour Afghanistan later this year, and sisters Ella, 13 and two-year-old Esmee.

Mum Carolyn, of Belvidere, Shrewsbury, said: “Alex was very outgoing and had such a bubbly personality.

“She loved being with her friends and was into her hair and beauty.”

It is the third scooter ride-out organised by Severnside Lions Scooter Club which will culminate in a charity fun day at The Red Barn pub in Longden Coleham.

Proceeds from the first event paid for a trip to Peru for Carolyn who made a 26-mile hike around the Inca Trail for the road safety charity BRAKE.

Carolyn said: “I found that the Peru trip really helped to focus my mind.

“I was pregnant with Esmee at the time Alex died so it was kind of bittersweet.

“I went to Peru on my own after Esmee’s birth which helped to clear my head.”

Proceeds from the second event were donated to Merrington Grange near Bomere Heath which helps young adults with learning disabilities.

The £1,500 contribution helped to pay for a sensory room at the centre.

This year proceeds will go to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen, near Oswestry.

Severnside Lions Scooter Club was launched in the 1970s and now boasts more than 60 members.

Organiser Ali Lee said: “We all love the same sort of music and we have a real solid friendship.

“The fun days began because Carolyn really wanted to do something in Alex’s name.

“I think the hike kept her going at that time. It was something to keep her busy.”
Visitors to the fun day on Sunday can enjoy barbecue food, a bouncy castle,
face painting, a raffle, stalls plus music from DJ Russ Reeves.

Former hairdresser Carolyn, who now works with adults with learning disabilities at Sabrina Court Day Service in Longden Coleham, will be accompanied to the fun day with husband Andrew and the children.

She added: “The fun day is brilliant and I go every year.

“Hopefully the sun will be out as it has been for the previous years and lots of people come along.

“It’s not just open to members of the scooter club but to everyone.

“It’s a great family day out.”

Scooters will gather at Greenhous Meadow Stadium from 11.30am for the fully marshalled ride-out to the pub where festivites will begin from noon.

Call Ali on 07866 613844 or visit www.severnsidelions scooterclub.com for more details.