By Kit Danks

A group of motorcyclists will be riding in aid of Action on Addiction’s Clouds House this month.

John and Wendy Bramble, the organisers of the event, started the charity bike ride four years ago after their son Craig lost his life to solvent abuse in 2001.

“At the moment on the Facebook event page, it says there are about 200 people going, and another 494 interested,” said John, “I’m trying to get as many people on it as possible, the more the merrier.”

Proceeds from the event will go towards Clouds House, a residential treatment centre in Wiltshire for those recovering from addictions.

Clouds House refurbished one of their rooms in Craig’s name with the donations from last year’s ride, which amounted to £5,776.

This year, John is hoping to raise £6,000, and has several local businesses sponsoring the event, including Mirus 55 in Gillingham and Dorset Electronic Services.

John continued: “I’ve got the Mayor of Chickerell starting the ride at South Coast Motorcycles, and the Mayor of Exmouth meeting us at the finishing point.

“We stop at West Bay for an hour, and we’re being supported by Snack Shack and Helmet City there – this year, the proceeds of everything bought by the bikers at Snack Shack will go into the charity bucket.”

Bikers for Action South West are also sponsoring the event, as well as South Coast Motorcycles.

John has been busy preparing for the event, and has printed t-shirts for riders to wear over their jackets - the theme of the ride last year was the colour pink, with riders once again donning themed t-shirts with a large pink letter A for ‘Action on Addiction’ this year.

“I’ve been sharing it around Facebook – if people could just keep sharing the event and the cause online it would definitely increase support.

“I’ve got a Just Giving page too where people can donate if they’d like, it’s a great cause so the more people getting involved the better.”

The ride will start in Lynch Lane at South Coast Motorcycles on Sunday, April 22 at 10.30am, with a stop at West Bay esplanade for refreshments, followed by a ride to the finish at Foxholes car park in Exmouth.

The donation for the ride is £5 per bike, all types are welcome to take part, including 125cc, learner and scooters.