A CHARITY motorcycle ride raised more than £10,000 for a life-saving charity.

DocBike, which provides motorcycle paramedics working alongside air ambulance teams, held its annual ride out in Dorset on Sunday, September 24, with participants taking on 30-, 35-, or 40-mile routes from Bridport, Alderholt or Bridgwater, finishing at Henstridge Airfield.

Despite challenging weather conditions, more than 600 bikers turned out.

Dorset riders Dr Ian Mew and critical care paramedic Mark Williams led separate convoys through country roads, while Sussex regional lead John Allsopp, led Bridgwater’s convoy through Somerset.

After completing their chosen route, the riders received a warm welcome at the airfield, where they were able to enjoy a display of exhibitors, scrumptious food, music from DJ Paul Brady, along with a grand raffle.

The event also provided DocBike and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance with the opportunity to engage with motorcyclists to raise awareness of their life-saving work – and how bikers can upskill their ride, along with sharing how to keep other injured motorcyclists alive until the emergency services arrive by attending a free BikerDown course.

Speaking of the success of this year’s event, Dr Ian Mew, co-Founder and trustee of DocBike, said: “We’re blown away by the support received at this year’s ride out.

“The DocBike charity receives no funding from the Government and relies on the generosity of the public to continue our life-saving work, so we’re thrilled to have raised such a fantastic amount which will help towards our ever-growing operational costs.

“While this event helps to raise much-needed funds for the charity, the support we receive from the motorcycling community for our work to reduce motorcycle collisions and providing life-saving critical care to anyone who needs it (not just motorcyclists), means so much more.

“We’re incredibly grateful to every person and organisation for their continued support.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part, to our wonderful team of volunteers and marshals, exhibitors and caterers, businesses and individuals who donated incredible raffle prizes, the High Sheriff of Somerset and High Sheriff of Dorset, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Dorset Freemasons, West Bay Snack Shack and Will Badman Photography for helping to make the day such a success.

“Finally, special thanks go to Henstridge Airfield clubhouse and owner Geoff Jarvis, The Churchill Arms in Alderholt, Bridgwater Community Hospital, West Bay Harbour Master, Bridport Town Council and Dorset Council, for hosting the start and finish points of the event.”

For more information on DocBike, log on to www.DocBike.org.