First Ride to the Wall a huge success
14 May 2009
The inaugural annual Ride to the Wall (RTTW) event which took place last October saw more than 2,500 motorcyclists ride together to the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield, Staffordshire to remember all the troops that have died on duty since World War II.
The sheer numbers that attended exceeded all expectations and meant that the event raised more than £10,000 for the upkeep of the Arboretum.
In a recent ceremony at the arboretum, Martin Dickinson, RTTW founder and chairman of the organising committee presented a cheque for £10,400 to Charlie Bagot Jewitt, chief executive of the National Memorial Arboretum.
"The response to the first RTTW was beyond anything I could have ever have dreamed," said Martin Dickinson. "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."
Surrounded by a police escort, the leading bikes left the Tamworth Services meeting point for the short 17 mile ride to the Arboretum with the last bike arriving about one and a half hours later.
"The service and dignity shown by all was truly wonderful, with memories flooding back to many of those present," said Martin. "We must not forget that the main aim of the day was, firstly to remember those that have died since WW2 and secondly to raise money for the Arboretum. The amount raised was a staggering £10,400. 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 Armed Forces Memorial. This stunning stone monument features the names of more than 16,000 Service men and women killed on duty or by terrorist action since the end of World War 2 engraved around its walls.
Now an annual event, organisation of this year's RTTW - on 10 October - is well underway and expects to at least double the number of bikes and visitors. Visit the RTTW website (www.rttw.org) for details on how to register on line, other information about the RTTW event, merchandise and the Arboretum. Registration is scheduled to open in May.
For further information please contact:
Martin Dickinson
Founder, Chairman
RTTW organising committee
Email: martinpdickinson@aol.com
Tel: 07740871983
Mark Darwin
Press Officer
PR and Media
RTTW organising committee
Tel: 07710715936
Email: markdarwin@aol.com
Andrew Baud
National Memorial Arboretum
Tel: 07775 715775
Email: andrew.baud@talapr.co.uk
