AROUND 150 Cornish bikers on machines ranging from scooters right up to race track replica motorcycles braved the foggy conditions to take part in the third annual Dave Curnow Memorial Ride on Sunday.

Rifleman Dave Curnow, who was one of the youngest British soldiers to have been sent to Afghanistan, died after he was brutally attacked whilst home on leave back in September 2015.

The weather conditions didn’t dampen the mood of those taking apart and showing their support towards Dave’s family and friends turning up at Cornwall College for the 100-mile West Cornwall Cruise.

Their ride began shortly after 10am after a short address by Dave’s father Mike Curnow and the Last Post was sounded by bugler/Rifleman Nick Major with a two minute silence.

The ride saw them stopping off at the Armed Forces Careers Office Redruth for a short wreath and floral laying ceremony. From there the ride continued on their cruise towards the coast of Portreath, Gwithian, into Hayle heading towards Penzance and then for Helston.

From Helston on to the Lizard, going through Mullion, Poldhu returning to Helston for a much needed lunch break.

From Helston the ride proceeded north through Truro, into Fraddon from there along the A30 for their parade leg of the ride into Redruth terminating the ride at St Rumon’s Social Club, where they were warmly welcomed by many of the local community.

Funds raised from the entry fee for the event is being donated to Dave’s regimental charities ‘Care for Casualties’ and ‘Just Rifles’.

These charities continue to support wounded Rifleman and their families during their darkest times. During military operations in Afghanistan, The Rifles Regiment suffered heavy casualties losing a total of 55 troops in combat and a further 252 casualties, sadly however the casualty count doesn’t stop there, as this year alone there have been at least 6 ex-rifleman who have tragically taken their own lives as a result of suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and unfortunately is likely to increase. To date this year’s event has reached just over the £1000 target and is still climbing.

Organisers of Dave’s Memorial Ride, which include Dave’s family, would like to say a big thank you to the following people in making this event such a success:

To all the marshals that helped us in directing all those participating in this year’s ride. You did an amazing job.

The landlord and staff of the Countryman pub, Piece for offering their facilities for the regular meetings held by the organisers and the ongoing donations collected so far which is in the region of £250.

Bugler/Rifleman Nick Major.

Bill’s catering for the pre-ride breakfast and warm drinks.

The staff of Penhaligon Suite, Cornwall College for opening up the college to enable participants to use their bathroom facilities.

Suezan Elliott of Comic Xposure kindly donated their services free of charge and captured the day magnificently for all the participants to share after the ride.

Bickham’s Burgers for our end of the ride, a well-earned delicious burger and the generous gesture of donating 25% of his takings for the event.

The staff of St Rumon’s Social Club, for putting on refreshments and providing live music from tribute band, ‘Le Vis’ and their collection buckets, which at the time of printing has yet to be announced.

Finally and most important of all, we would like to thank the South West biking community as the riders and several spectators donated over £700 at the start of the ride, collected by Christine Hoare of Redruth and her wonderful team.

Without these people the ride wouldn’t take place at all and remember Dave, the young soldier, son, brother, partner who was prepared to give his forever so we could have our today.