NEWS RELEASE FROM THE NMA

Arboretum boosted by massive Ride to the Wall donation

October’s event raised £29,600 for NMA Appeal

The second annual Ride to the Wall event, which saw 7,500 motorbikes (RTTW note , these are the NMA figures ) from around the country welcomed to the National Memorial Arboretum, has raised £29,600. Last October's event was the UK's largest gathering of bikers for a single cause, with those attending paying respects to fallen servicemen whose names are engraved on the Armed Forces Memorial.

Bikers attended from all corners of the UK, either as individuals, or in groups and chapters from organisations including regional Harley Owner’s Groupsand the Royal British Legion's Riders Branch. Representatives of the committee who organised the 'ride out' to the Arboretum, including Martin Dickinson, who had the original idea, yesterday (11 January 2010) presented a giant cheque to Arboretum chief executive, Charlie Bagot Jewitt.

One of the riders was commander of the 4th Division, Major General Lamont Kirkland CBE. During the presentation of the cheque he said: “While only in its second year, this event has captured the public’s imagination and it has become a fantastic way in which bikers can show their great respect for those that serve in the Armed Forces. I was moved by the huge number of people involved and I know that such shows of support mean much to Service men and women and their families.”

Much of the sum raised will go towards the NMA Appeal – an £8 million redevelopment campaign, launched to create a world-class Remembrance Centre which is worthy of those who give so much to the Country.

The striking Armed Forces Memorial, the focal point for the ride out, carries the names of more than 16,000 service men and women killed on duty or by terrorist action since the end of the Second World War.

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The National Memorial Arboretum is Britain’s year-round centre of remembrance; a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises suffering and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country.

Sited in the heart of the Nation, with 50,000 maturing trees and 160 memorials, it is a beautiful and lasting tribute to those who serve their country or who have died in conflict.

Visitors from all walks of life number around 300,000 per year, including Service personnel, veterans, school children, groups and individuals. Over 200 special events are held annually. The Act of Remembrance, including a Silence, is observed daily in the Millennium Chapel.