Riders pay tribute to fallen heroes
1000s join 12th ‘RTTW’ to honour our heroes
Bikers from across the UK took part in a series of rides on Saturday converging at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for the 12th annual Ride to the Wall, a unique event designed to give people the chance to pay their respects to over 16,000 men and women who have given their lives in service since the end of WWII. Setting off from 11 different start points an estimated 15,000 took part. Midland Express waived charges on the M6 Toll, helping smooth the flow of bikes into the Arboretum for the volunteer marshals to then shepherd into the parking areas, while a contingency plan had to be put in place at the last minute due to local flooding. “Today has been unbelievable and extremely emotional,” said organiser and founder Martin Dickinson. “I went up to the memorial with the (bereaved)
‘It’s my first time and it’s been phenomenal’
families before the service - one of the mothers said that she saw her son come back from Wootton Bassett and told me that this was even more poignant.” Participants pay a minimum of £10 and all proceeds go to the upkeep of the NMA. “The cheque will be presented on Armed Forces Day next June,” continued Martin, “It’s always six figures and we’re just £59k away from a million.” “It’s the first time I’ve taken part in a ride-out like this and it’s been phenomenal,” said Chantelle Thornley from Newark. “I think we need to honour the fallen and to ensure that we always remember the sacrifices they made.”