Duty to Ride
Memorial to Couriers and Despatch Riders
The Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) is proposing to dedicate a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum to the memory of all those motorcyclists throughout the world who have lost their lives or been seriously injured whilst riding in the course of their duties.These may be despatch riders and couriers in the various branches of the armed forces but also civilian riders such as blood deliveries, organ deliveries and other essential couriers.
The estimated cost of such a memorial is in the region of £350-500,000. Contributions are therefore requested from across all the armed forces that use motorcycle riders including despatch riders, couriers, escorts and other functions as well as civilian organisations such as the NHS, blood and organ deliveries etc.It is also hoped that contributions will also be forthcoming from the motorcycling fraternity, motorcycle clubs and fund-raising events.
Initial application has already been submitted to the National Memorial Arboretum for such a memorial, we just need to raise the money and commission the memorial itself.
If you wish to make a donation now please visit our Just Giving page.
Duty to Ride 2022
In order to launch the fund to create a lasting memorial to despatch riders and other couriers, both military and non-military, the VMCC are organising a ride to the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday May 1st. This ride will start from the National Motor Cycle Museum in Solihull at 9.00am and will end at the National Memorial Arboretum between 10.30 and 11.00am to coincide with the VMCC AGM also being held at the arboretum. All motorcycles are welcome, however, the emphasis will on period bikes (25+ years) and especially military bikes.
The event has been named “Duty to Ride” and will hopefully become a regular annual event. Although entry to this event in 2022 is free participants are encouraged to seek sponsorship from their friends and families and to contribute to the fund themselves through Just Giving or other means.
All funds raised will go towards the creation of a Memorial at the Arboretum in honour of those motorcyclists that have lost their lives or been seriously injured whilst riding in the line of duty, both military and non-military.
A dedicated website www.dutytoride.org is being created to manage this and future events and to support the fund raising activities. there will also be T-Shirts and other branded merchandise in the near future so watch this space. Proceeds from the sales will contribute to the Duty to Ride fund.
If you wish to participate in the 2022 Duty to Ride please register your interest here: Participate in the 2022 Duty to Ride
