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Thousands of motorcyclists make annual pilgrimage to remember those who no longer ride with them

Thousands of motorcyclists made an annual pilgrimage to a place of peace to remember those who no longer ride with them.

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Motorcycles of all types were seen at the Arboretum. Photo: National Memorial Arboretum

The annual "Ride to the Wall" pilgrimage took place at the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Saturday.

Now in its 15th year, the Ride to the Wall community held a special Service of Remembrance in memory of the fallen UK Armed Service personnel whose names are engraved on the walls of the Armed Forces Memorial.

Martin Dickinson, founder of Ride to the Wall, said: “Each year, we gather at Ride to the Wall to remember those who can no longer ride by our side, ensuring that the names on the walls of the Armed Forces Memorial are never forgotten.

"Through the dedication and support of the extended Waller family, we want to help make sure that the National Memorial Arboretum can continue to share the stories of those who have served and sacrificed for our country.”

Most of the riders arrived in convoy after departing from one of eleven designated start locations around the country, although some travelled from as far afield as Spain.

As the motorcycles approached the Arboretum they were greeted by David ‘Blu’ Sheaf, a veteran of Northern Ireland, who every year braves the weather, standing to attention for five hours, saluting every rider as they pass.

The 2022 Ride to the Wall commemorations featured performances from piper Leif Findlay, and vocalists Abigail Carter-Simpson, Gari Glaysher and Oliver Moriarty.

Families of those commemorated on the Armed Forces Memorial were able to spend some time on the Memorial privately before the service.

Wreaths were laid by members of the services. Photo: National Memorial Arboretum

The Service of Remembrance itself, which was broadcast online for those who couldn’t attend the event, commenced with a flypast of WWII-era Spitfire fighter aircraft and a Lancaster bomber and concluded with a minute’s silence, laying of wreaths and the National Anthem performed by the Band of the Irish Guards.

As thousands of ‘Wallers’ ascended the steps of the Armed Forces Memorial following the service, “Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits could be heard across the site, with the song being the unofficial anthem of Ride to the Wall.

Since the first Ride to the Wall in 2008, ‘Wallers’ have raised more than £1.35 million to support the National Memorial Arboretum, which features more than 400 memorials to those who have served and sacrificed for the Nation, set within 150-acres of gardens, grounds and woodlands.

Philippa Rawlinson, director of the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “It was such an honour to once again be able to ride pillion to the Arboretum, arriving alongside all the other Wallers making their annual pilgrimage to the Armed Forces Memorial for this incredibly special Service of Remembrance.

Thousands of bikers came to the National Memorial Arboretum. Photo: National Memorial Arboretum

"The Arboretum is usually a quiet and tranquil place to reflect, so the incredible sight and sound of thousands of motorcyclists coming together to pay their deep and heartfelt respects is such a unique and poignant way to remember the fallen.”

“We are hugely grateful to the incredible generosity of the Wallers who have raised more than £1.335m through Ride to the Wall activities over the past 15 years, including £135,000 from last year’s event.

"Their support helps us to care for the Nation’s year-round place to remember, and to ensure that the baton of Remembrance can be passed on to future generations.”

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