Thousands of motorcycles, great weather, a warm welcome and the smile of a former glamour model... and its all to raise money for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.
Monday, 12 September, 2011
Jodie Marsh and Jonny Hyland (Photographer Tracey Valentine)
The annual Dunton to Harwich motorcycle run in aid of the charity took place over the weekend with over 3000 pre paid riders starting the event at the Ford research and Engineering centre at Dunton (Near Basildon) In Essex. The run makes its way across Essex and into the North of the county finishing in the Port town of Harwich. Riders enjoy lots of stalls, live bands, Heart FM road show and can take part in the yearly Harwich fun day.
"Thousands of riders join the run on route each year, some this year from as far away as Germany" Said Ian Burrell Chairman of the Ambulance Motorcycle Club. A small team of club members Jonny Hyland (Rayleigh EMT) Tracey Valentine (Rayleigh Station Supervisor) and Ian (South Woodham Paramedic) were joined by Harwich Motorcycle Club members and were responsible again this year for marshalling the thousands of bikes that arrive into Harwich safely into parking areas across the town. In previous years club members marshalling at the event have been called upon to assist the first aider provider St John Ambulance when members of the pubic have been taken unwell. Thankfully this year their medical skills weren't required. Apart from marshalling duties the group were able to promote the CRASH Card Scheme with the partners in the county council road safety team, police bikesafe and County fire service.
Around 2500 cards have been distributed directly to riders in their event pre registration packs with those joining on the route being given the chance to collect one at the event through the outlets on the green that had the CRASH Card readily available. Former glamour model and TV Personality Jodie Marsh was signing her new calendar which has been produced to raise money for the charity at the event.
Jodie, herself an Essex Girl and Harley Davidson rider took time back stage to chat to Jonny Ian and Tracey about the CRASH Card scheme. "Jodie had a very busy schedule at the event" Said Ian, "but she still made time to have a chat with Jonny about the card, and kept the card and letter in the photo!"
