Hundreds of bikers joined together on Sunday 22nd June for the St Elizabeth Hospice Motorcycle Run.
Over 200 motorcyclists rode through the Suffolk countryside from Stonham Barns, near Stowmarket, to the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Flixton, to raise thousands of pounds for the local charity.
One of the bikers who took part was terminally-ill, Hospice patient Andy Priest, who led the bikers on the 30 mile route on his beloved blue Harley, despite his illness, to give back to the Hospice as a thank you for the care he and his wife Annette have received. He has raised over £100 in sponsorship for the Hospice so far.
Andy, 45, of Wickham Market, is currently appearing on the Channel 4 documentary, My Last Summer, which tackles taboos around death. He said: “I was nervous about the ride, especially being one of the front riders, but I was honoured to be asked to lead the pack.
“When I am on my bike that is the only time I switch off from everything; I forget I am ill. It makes me so happy.”
Joanna Rodger, St Elizabeth Hospice’s Events and Challenges Fundraiser, said: “It was beautiful day and we had a great turn out of bikers. It was such an amazing sight to see so many motorcyclists riding in convoy to support the Hospice.
“Thank you to everybody who supported the event; our volunteers, Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists and Orwell Motorcyclists and to everyone who took part. All the money raised will go towards providing local Hospice care for local people.”