Bikers honour fallen heroes
Added on Monday, March 15th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Bikers honour fallen heroes
Around 15,000 bikers paid tribute to the people of Wootton Bassett yesterday in a charity ride-out to raise money for Britain’s fallen heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan.
An estimated 10,000 motorcycles and 5,000 pillion passengers rode through the Wiltshire town, which has become known as “Britain’s most patriotic town” after paying respects to fallen servicemen and women from the current conflicts overseas, raising money for the charity Afghan Heroes.
Biker’s were asked for a £5 donation towards the charity, although many paid much more than the asking price before setting off in waves of 500 from RAF Lyneham. The route continued from Wootton Bassett to the coroner in Oxford, replicating the route that the corteges of British troops follow when bodies are repatriated to the UK.
The event was largely organised through the social networking site Facebook and Laurence Phillips from Afghan Heroes admitted that she was staggered at the level of support for the event.
“It’s quite a staggering spectacle and an unbelievable show of support for the troops in Afghanistan and a mark of respect for the town of Wootton Bassett,” he said.
“I would imagine it is the biggest bike ride of its kind.
“The bikes have been coming in since 8am this morning.”
Wootton Bassett Mayor Steve Bucknell said: “The vast majority of the people of the town fully support what the bikers are doing today.
“Too many times the town has had to stand still in silence but today is all about noise and movement.”
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