The family of Lennix Sutcliffe thanked the biker community for coming together in an ‘amazing’ memorial bike ride, joining them at the start of the ride in Westbury to honour his memory.
The eight-year-old died on 13th April 2024 after being hit by a car while playing near his home in Dilton Marsh.
To pay tribute to the schoolboy, family friend Jeff Farrell organised a memorial bike ride from Westbury to Weymouth to raise money for the charities Combat Stress and Blood Bikes.
A total of 62 bikers from the Wilts and Somerset Bike and Trike group met by Aimi’s Cafe on the High Street on Saturday 29th March to take part in the fundraiser.
Speaking on the morning of the event, Jeff said, “I did have a sleepless night, I was so nervous about everything going well. I just want to do the best I can for Lennix’s family. But we’ve had a great turnout today, which is brilliant. Bikers from across Wiltshire, but also from surrounding areas, have come out to show their support.”
Lennix’s parents, Jackie and Chris, were joined by friends and family to meet with the bikers before they headed off on the memorial ride. They also handed out blue ‘Ride for Lennix’ stickers and held a custom-made banner with a picture of Lennix with angel wings.
Jackie said, “The turnout here is absolutely amazing, we really do appreciate it. Lennix really loved his bikes.
“We’re hoping to make this a yearly event and choose different charities to raise money for in his memory. We can’t thank the biking community enough for what they’ve done and for riding for Lennix. We’d like to thank Jeff and the marshals on the route for everything.”
After posing for photos, the memorial bike ride set off past the rotunda in Westbury around 10.30am. Many participants had dressed up as characters from Lennix’s favourite TV shows, such as Pokémon. Others attached toys to their bikes as they made their way from Westbury to Weymouth in Lennix’s memory.
Reece Collier was one of four people dressed as Teletubbies taking part in the memorial ride. Before departing on his Honda 125, he said, “I’m from Dilton Marsh and live quite close to Lennix’s family. I wanted to come out today and show my support. This is my first bike meet, actually, so it was also a good chance to come and meet more biker folk.”
Marshals from Bulls Out MCC guided the group past roundabouts and junctions as they travelled to Weymouth. Lennix, whose ninth birthday would have been on 30th March, was a huge fan of motorbikes.
Speaking after the memorial bike ride, Jeff added, “The day went really well. Bulls Out MCC, who did the marshalling, did a fantastic job and held the whole group together.
“We raised over £350 for the chosen charities Blood Bikes and Combat Stress. We’re all already looking forward to next year’s ride, and we’re hoping this can be an annual ride in memory of Lennix.”
To keep up to date with future bike meets for Lennix, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/306012002538723/
