Organisers staggered by first memorial ride total

By gtoulson

THOUSANDS of motorcyclists who took part in a memorial ride through Tamworth to commemorate fallen British troops have raised more than £10,000 for the National Arboretum.

The inaugural annual Ride to the Wall (RTTW), saw more than 2,500 motorcyclists ride from the M42 MOTO services to the memorial in Alrewas last October.

Martin Dickinson, RTTW founder and chairman of the organising committee, recently presented a cheque for £10,400 to Charlie Bagot Jewitt, chief executive of the National Memorial Arboretum.

All the money raised will go towards the site's upkeep.

"The response to the first RTTW was beyond anything I could have ever have dreamed," said Martin.

"At no time in the planning stage did I ever believe it would be supported so magnificently.

"Initial estimates suggested 350 people may attend, but it soon became apparent that figure would easily be surpassed at an early stage.

"By the time the first bikes started leaving the meeting point at Tamworth Services more than 2,000 people had registered.

"The service and dignity shown by all was truly wonderful, with memories flooding back to many of those present," Martin added.

"We must not forget that the main aim of the day was, to remember those that have died since WWII and to raise money for the arboretum.

"The amount raised was staggering, I think that both of the aims were achieved and surpassed quite considerably.

"This is the only event of its kind which gives motorcyclists in this country the opportunity to show the respect that the members of the Armed Forces deserve, as well as raising funds for the upkeep of the stunning stone memorial."

The monument has the names of more than 16,000 Service men and women killed on duty or by terrorist action since the end of the Second World War engraved around its walls.

The next RTTW will take place on October 10 this year.

To register go to www.rttw.org