Motorbike parade in memory of Ben Gautrey is a poignant success

A POIGNANT parade which paid tribute to a Southport motorbike racer who died last year has helped to raise hundreds of pounds for a charity set up in his memory.

The Benjamin Gautrey Foundation, set up by friends and family of the 18-year-old rider who was killed at a race at Cadwell Park in August last year, said that a fundraising stall and tribute parade at last weekend's Ormskirk MotorFest had been seen by thousands of visitors, with more than £255 being raised to help the charity's aims of promoting grassroots sports.

Ben's mother Lorraine told Life On Cars: "The event was excellent and went far better for the foundation than any of us could have expected, with lots of people coming over to have a look and find out more about the charity. It isn't just about motorbike racing, but about all the sports Ben took such a keen interest in.

"The parade in particular went really well, with the bikes looking spectacular as they went around the streets of Ormskirk. Everything was done in a very poignant way and it was very emotional for everyone involved, but I'm delighted that it went so well and that so many people took an interest in what we're doing."

The charity not only had a stall set up in Coronation Park, where thousands of visitors to the event went to see the classic cars and bikes on display, but also had a special parade around the town centre, which was led by a replica of the 600cc Gearlink Kawasaki which Ben rode during his final race.

An additional tribute to Ben was also paid at Cadwell Park, the Lincolnshire circuit where he was killed in a race a year ago, with supporters planting a tree in his memory.

Charity supporter Alisdair Croft, who took also took part in last year's MotorFest, said: ”The foundation's supporters are absolutely delighted with how it all went, and it's clear that a lot of interest was generated and that a lot of merchandise to promote the charity's work was sold on the day.

"The parade too was a big success, and we're adament that the Benjamin Gautrey Foundation will be back at the Ormskirk MotorFest next year, and hopefully with some big names riding some of the bikes in the parade."

If you'd like to find out more about the Benjamin Gautrey Foundation, visit the charity's website at www.thebenjamingautreyfoundation.org.uk.

Picture courtesy of West Lancashire Borough Council

Motorcycle tribute to Ben Gautrey planned for Ormskirk MotorFest 2012

A POIGNANT tribute to a teenage motorbike racer who died last year will take place at this year's Ormskirk MotorFest.

Lorraine Gautrey, mother of 18-year-old Southport rider Ben Gautrey, who was involved in a fatal crash at the Cadwell Park circuit last August, said that motorbikes - including a replica of Ben's machine - will take part in the parade to highlight a charity established in his honour.

She said: "The parade will not only be a really nice tribute to Ben, almost a year to the day after we lost him, but it will also help to highlight the work of the Ben Gautrey Foundation.

"The foundation will support sport from grassroots level and will promote the sports in which Ben was so passionate about."

She added that there will also be a stand at the MotorFest to promote the work of the charity, which was set up shortly after Ben, from Southport, died last year. Volunteers for the charity will be able to talk about Ben and the work his life has inspired, and will also sell wristbands and other items to raise money.

Among the machines which will be ridden around the MotorFest parade circuit, which takes in a series of streets around Ormskirk town centre specially closed off for the event, will be a replica of the 600cc Gearlink Kawasaki, pictured, on which Ben rode his final race at Cadwell Park on August 29 last year, and an Aprillia 125cc motorbike which Ben also raced.

Charity supporter Alasdair Croft, who took part in last year's MotorFest, said:

"It's a fabulous idea, and I hope that the stand and the parade at the event will really help to highlight the foundation and what we're aiming to do.

"Coming from a motorsport background, I think it's something that will really capture people's imagination and I'm very keen to see it happen."

The Ormskirk MotorFest will take place in Ormskirk town centre and Coronation Park on Sunday, August 26. For more information about the Benjamin Gautrey Foundation visit the charity's website online.

Entries for this year's Ormskirk MotorFest are now being accepted. To get your classic car or bike involved head to the event's official website.