Thousands of bikers pay spectacular Wootton Bassett tribute to forces heroes (From This Is Wiltshire)

Thousands of bikers pay spectacular Wootton Bassett tribute to forces heroes

8:41pm Sunday 14th March 2010 in

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Wiltshire's roads shuddered with the roar of 10,000 bikes today as bikers from all over the country rode into Wootton Bassett to raise money for the charity Afghan Heroes.

Policeestimated 15,000 bikers on 10,000 gleaming mahcines of all shapes and sizes rode from Hullavington air base and to ride through Corston, Malmesbury, Brinkworth and finally into Wootton Bassett.

The ride was the idea of a teenage biker who fancied doing a bike run with a few of her friends but it snowballed into the biggest bike run of its kind in Britain.

The majority of the organisation was done by biker Julia Stevenson, from Kent.

She said: “Bikers are a big family. There is just something about the biking fraternity.

“I have never known such genuine, lovely, generous people.

“It is the biggest one that Britain will ever see as the police won’t allow it again.

“I can’t believe what has been in my head for weeks is now a reality.

“We have come together as one and we have united today in support of our troops.”

The initial idea of the ride was that of Lizzie Stevens, 18, from Luton. She said: “I am absolutely ecstatic.

“I didn’t expect this sort of atmosphere. I only invited 15 people on facebook and it has spread like wildfire.

“The idea was to support Wootton Bassett and the troops coming through and to thank them and show that we are behind them.

“I am really happy because it shows a lot of people do care.”

The £5 paid by each rider and pillion will be going to the charity Afghan Heroes, which was set up by mothers who have lost their sons in Afghanistan.

There were three representatives from the charity at Hullavington airbase.

Denise Harris, Debbie Simpson and Jane Whitehouse all lost their sons on the same day.

Mrs Harris, 46, from Somerset, lost her son Corporal Lee Scott at the age of just 26.

She said: “We lost our boys in 24 hours.

“The charity was founded on behalf of all us mothers.

“We are very pleased with how it has gone.

“We are pleased with the response from the general public.

“This ride is our way of saying thank you.”

Mrs Whitehouse, 54, from Walsall, said: “I met Julia Stevenson last night and we had our arms around each other, crying."

Mrs Whitehouse lost her son Corporal Jonathan Horne, who was 27.

She added: “This is for all the troops out there and all the fallen and their families.

“They have left their legacy behind.

“It is a very emotional and poignant day.”

Before the first wave of riders left the base, there were presentations to MOD staff, the police, and to the mayor and mayoress of Wootton Bassett Steve and Allison Bucknell.

Julia Stevenson told the crowds: “Today is our chance to salute our heroes.

“Many of those who are watching us will be surprised that it is bikers who have managed the first rally in support of our troops.

“We can be disciplined and show respect to our fallen heroes and their families.

“They do not walk alone and they shall never walk alone.”

Chief Inspector Gillard of Wiltshire Police has been the main organiser on the behalf of the police.

He said: “It is a big event to organise, especially given the short time frame.

“It is a bit like one of those Facebook parties when everyone turns up.

“The size of the event attracted support from other forces. It has cost us nothing.

“We have had officers on site (at Hullavington) helping with reassurance, and we have had traffic and uniformed officers along the route.

“I’m really enjoying it as the hard work is in the planning. It is really positive.

“Not all the residents are going to appreciate it but I think the majority of people are positive about it.”

Bikers came from far and wide. They came from Scotland, the North of England, Wales and even America.

But some came only as far as from Wootton Bassett.

Biker David Goodhall is from the town which has become famous because of its role in the repatriations.

He said: “Bikers have always been passionate.

“It is what bikers do, they step up and put their hands in their pockets.

“It is costing people money to be here but its all for a good cause and if we can do that, than that is all to the good.”

Gary Crook, 49, is also from Wootton Bassett.

He was riding on Sunday with his son Gareth, who is just two and a half.

Mr Crook said: “They are raising money for a good cause.

“You can see all the companionship and banter. It is a great lifestyle.

“Not many people agree with the war but we support the troops in any case.”

Mark Vincent, 49, is from Bath, and only took up riding a bike 15 months ago.

He said: “It is awesome.

“From a biking perspective, it is one of those days you will always remember and say “I was there.”

“They could have easily doubled the numbers.

“You find all walks of life here.

“Putting politics aside, our guys are over there doing there job without question.

“The guys and women coming back, it is very sad.”

Jed and Janet Evans had come to Wiltshire from Leeds.

Mr Evans said: “We see Wootton Bassett on the news all the time and it is sad, but this is positive.

“It gives a message of support. It brings a lump to your throat.This is the first time we have been to Wootton Bassett.

“No one says the people they have to come out and line the street but they come out and support. That is appreciated by the whole nation.”

As the first group of riders left Hullavington, they saw flashes of colour in the green of the Wiltshire countryside, as well wishers came out at the roadside to wave, cheer and display flags.

They moved towards Malmesbury and went through Brinkworth before being met with crowds of Wootton Bassett residents who were out enjoying the sun.

Mayor Steve Bucknell, having returned from Hullavington, said: “It is absolutely incredible.

“I hadn’t expected this many people to turn out.

“There is a real carnival atmosphere in the town.

“We have had to stand out here in stillness and silence far too many times, but now everyone is in good mood.

“Most of the young men who have died would have loved to see all these bikes.”

Wootton Bassett resident Louise Warwick said: “It is brilliant, really good.

“It is nice to see something positive, and for the children it is such a great experience.”

Liz and Alison Taylor are from Purton.

Liz said: “I work at Lyneham so it is a charity close to my heart.”

Her mum Alison said: “It is great and nice for the people of Bassett. There must be every biker in Britain here.”

Glen Reid is another Wootton Bassett resident who was out enjoying the sights.

He said: “They are raising money for a great charity and everyone seems to be having fun.

“People are out on the street without the sadness of repatriations.”

The ride is expected to make between £50,000 and £100,000 for Afghan Heroes.