10,000 to join ride for Afghanistan heroes

A ride on Mother’s Day to honour British soldiers in Afghanistan has gained so much support that organisers have had to stop more motorcyclists registering.

Over 10,000 have already registered to join the March 14 ride in Wootton Bassett. A charge of £5 each – over £50,000 in total – will be donated to the charity Afghan Heroes, which supports troops and their relatives.

The ride was originally publicised on a Facebook page called Bike Run in support of Wootton Bassett.

An update on the page says: “After the meeting today with the authorities and the unprecedented response from the biking community we have been asked to close registration one week early. It will unfortunately not be re-opening.

“We would like to reassure everyone that the ride is going ahead with the full support of the police and local authorities.

“We have spoken to a few local businesses who are all looking forward to the day. All bikes will be riding through Wootton Bassett.”

Elizabeth Stevens, 18, who created the Facebook page, said: “We were only expecting a couple of hundred bikers.”

Find more on the ride at www.afghanheroes.org.uk