Motorbike enthusiast David Gurney has once in a lifetime experience after 80 bikes roll up outside his Colney care home

The group of 80 motorbikes which turned up to Oakwood House Nursing Home in Colney as part of a special treat for 76-year-old David Gurney. Picture: SOPHIE WYLLIE (Image: SOPHIE WYLLIE)

Norwich-born David Gurney, 76, who has terminal cancer, was greeted on Saturday by motorcyclists from across Norfolk at the Oakwood House Nursing Home in Colney where he now lives.

The major event was organised by 39-year-old activities co-ordinator Emily Wilson, who wanted to cheer up Mr Gurney to ease his health problems.

She was inspired by what was originally going to be a small visit of motorbike riders - including her husband Oz Wilson, 45, three days ago.

However, Mr Wilson's friend Duncan Nash had other ideas and set up the event on Facebook appealing for bikers around the county to ride from the Thickthorn services on the A11 to the care home.

Oakwood House Nursing Home resident David Gurney on a Suzuki Intruder motorbike with home activities co-ordinator Emily Watson. The bike was one of 80 which turned up outside the home as a special treat for the 76-year-old. Picture: SOPHIE WYLLIE (Image: SOPHIE WYLLIE)

Mr Gurney, a former shoe factory and boatyard worker who moved into the home in November, said: 'This is a once in a lifetime event for me. I thought my motorbike days were behind me but they have come back again. I like the speed and freedom of bikes.'

The 76-year-old got to sit on a white 2010 Suzuki Intruder, owned by Mike Jackson, 39, from Bungay, and rev the powerful machine.

Mr Jackson, a support worker, said: 'It is a pleasure that I could put a smile on his face.'

After sitting on the bike he looked around the impressive collection of bikes including a mixture of modern sports models and older vehicles.

He was joined by his sister Cindy Thomas, 68, and niece Wendy Pope, 48, both from Bowthorpe.

Mrs Pope said: 'I'm totally and utterly speechless with the turn out. It is amazing so many people did this for someone they did not know.'

The event was described as 'unbelievable' by Mrs Wilson, who said Mr Gurney was a 'real gentleman'.

She said: 'I'm completely overwhelmed by the event. It shows fantastic community spirit. David is going to be smiling about this days. It is days like this that make my job so rewarding.'

Co-organiser Mr Nash, 40, from Gorleston, said it was emotional meeting the 76-year-old.

Mr Gurney still talks about bikes and had about four vehicles in his lifetime including his beloved grey Norton 650cc.