Charity motorbike ride

Fire control operator Sally Barnett is all geared up for the motorbike charity ride

Sally Barnett, a control room operator at Shrewsbury fire HQ, is gearing up with motorbike riders from across the UK who are aiming to raise over £4,000 for charity in their annual outing to Wales later this month.

Around 250 motorcyclists and pillion passengers aged from 14 to over 80 are preparing to set out on the 150 mile 9th Horseshoes Welsh Run from Shropshire to Llandudno on June 25.

Funds raised will go to their regular charities - the Shropshire Air Ambulance and Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital.

"Motorbike riders are very vulnerable during crashes and unfortunately sometimes need the air ambulance and the orthopaedic hospital, this is a good opportunity for us to give something back" said motorcycle enthusiast Sally.

They will meet at Dinky's Diner in the A458 lay-by at Ford with riders departing at regular intervals to keep traffic moving.

"We hope to top £4,000 this year," said Sally, 34, of Baschurch, who has co-organised and ridden in all eight annual charity bike runs.

Bike riders on the day can win a number of trophies including one for the oldest rider and the furthest travelled as the event attracts enthusiasts from across the UK.

"It is a fun ride for careful riders and definitely not a speed event. For safety reasons we advise them not to have large groups of riders together and try to promote the fact we are simply there to get together, have fun and raise money for charity. It is not a race and we want everyone to enjoy the day and come home safe and sound" added Sally.

Over the past eight years, the riders have jointly raised £24,000 for the County Air Ambulance and Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital.

7th June, 2006