Bikers ride in memory of boy who died in crash

The family of a boy who died after being struck by a car have held their second annual charity motorbike ride in his memory.

Eight-year-old Lennix Sutcliffe was fatally injured while playing on his scooter near his home in Dilton Marsh, Wiltshire, in April 2024.

Today, bikers set off from Westbury and headed towards Weston-super-Mare in Somerset to raise money for Blood Bikes, which delivers urgent medical supplies for the NHS.

Jackie Sutcliffe, Lennix's mum, said they "had an amazing response from the biking community" with at least 70 riders turning out in her son's memory.

Speaking from the beachfront in Weston-super-Mare, she added: "It means a lot that Lennix is remembered. The ride has been amazing, we've raised funds for a really good charity which is funded entirely by donations and volunteers.

"We're very grateful to the wider Westbury and biker community. It's been a brilliant experience."

Several of the bikers who took part dressed up as characters Lennix liked, with Teletubbies and Pikachu costumes seen among the group.

Jeff Farrell, organiser of the Ride for Lennix fundraiser, spoke to BBC Wiltshire during a brief break at Cheddar Gorge. He said: "It's been a really good ride, everyone stuck together. We had one break down, but he got back up and running.

"While I'm still riding, this will be done every year. Hopefully we can grow it."

The convoy of bikers met at Aimi's Café in Westbury on Saturday morning to pose for photos before departing via the town's high street.

Michelle Silcox, of Aimi's Cafe, said: "We were grateful to be part of it [the fundraiser] and provide teas and coffees. As a community, Westbury really enjoyed having everyone here."

The bikers who took part each donated £5 for Blood Bikes.

Westbury residents gathered en masse to watch the bikes depart, including Neil, a former biker, from the Westbury Court Care & Nursing Home who said "it was a brilliant day".

Lennix, who loved motorbikes and Pokémon, would have turned 10 on March 30.

His family and friends have held several fundraisers in his memory in aid of charities like Blood Bikes and Wiltshire Air Ambulance, as well as raising money for new books at Dilton Marsh CofE Primary School

Wiltshire Police said a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after Lennix died, but following an investigation, no further action was taken.

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