FAMILY and friends are due to attend the funeral of Stephen Coles today, just a day before the 30-year-old was to be an usher at his best friend's wedding.

Stephen, a keen competition cyclist, died last Wednesday when his car careered into a bridge on Great Missenden bypass.

He had been due to act as an usher for friend James Foster who is getting married tomorrow. The wedding will still go ahead, but James admitted it will be very tough for everyone involved.

James said: "It is going to be so hard. It is such a tragic loss and the good ones are taken away too early.

"We would go out training on our bikes and go for three-hour rides. We would just talk about everything. He was so mad and good fun. He would do anything for you. We will really miss him."

Stephen's fiance Clare Ackerman, 28, who lived with him in Shrubbery Close, High Wycombe, added: "He was just so full of life and full of character. He was actually quite shy but was naturally the centre of attention.

"He was a big guy and had the appearance that you wouldn't mess with him but he was as soft as anything. He was a gentle giant.

"I met him last December and I just thought he was gorgeous. We hit it off instantly and we had been inseparable ever since. That is probably the hardest thing. In May we were in the process of changing jobs and we went around the world for a month together and he proposed in Fiji. He was absolutely desperate to be a dad.

"I am just stunned and devastated. I feel like the bottom has dropped out of my world."

Stephen, a former Misbourne School pupil who had lived in Prestwood, was a personal trainer.

He had just started a new job as a fitness manager at a centre in Twyford three weeks ago.

He tried out for the British Olympic team and also took part in the prestigious Archer Grand Prix, which is an international race in Bucks.

His cycling took him around the world and he had raced in France, the Dominican Republic, Holland and New Zealand.

Clare added: "He is going to be missed by lots of friends and cycling buddies, me, his mum and his nanny. He had such an abundance of friends and I hope he realised how much he meant to everybody."

His friend Caroline Cullen said: "I am devastated. We have all been robbed of a great friend and personality in the prime of his life.

"He was a real joker, totally mad and the centre of attention at any party. I can't believe he isn't here and won't be popping in for a cup of tea and a chat.

"He will be greatly missed."

Stephen's funeral service is due to take place today at 2.30pm at Chilterns Crematorium in Amersham.

Donations will be sent to a charity which is connected with children and bikes. To make a donation, contact Wright Funeral Services on 01494 863101.