Lafarge Link for Biker's Armed Forces' Tribute

KEEN motorcyclist and Lafarge employee, Colin Wood, was among thousands of bikers who rode to the National Memorial Arboretum to pay tribute to our Armed Forces and raise funds to recognise their sacrifice.

It was the second year Colin had taken part in the Ride to the Wall pilgrimage which attracts individuals, groups and bike clubs from the UK and beyond.

Bikers massed at a number of start points around the country, then rode to the Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, to hear a service of remembrance and honour the memory of the fallen.

Funds raised from the day, through a registration fee and donations, all go to the upkeep of the Arboretum, part of the British Legion family of charities.

For Colin the event holds extra meaning because without the generosity of his employer, Lafarge, the NMA would not have been created at Alrewas.

Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK offered a portion of land, the site of a restored sand and gravel quarry, to provide a home for the NMA, leasing it to the Arboretum for a peppercorn rent.

Colin, aged 52, who lives with wife, Vanessa in Loughborough, said:

"Ride to the Wall is always an awe-inspiring occasion, and of course holds special memories for me because of the link between the NMA and Lafarge. To see so many bikers turn up in one place to pay their respects is absolutely astounding and this year was no exception.

"This was my second year and the event keeps getting bigger and bigger. It is really very emotional to be there among thousands of other motorcyclists, to hear the service of remembrance and to see the walls of the Armed Forces Memorial, engraved with the names of the service men and women killed on duty.

"What is especially poignant is seeing the vast expanse of bare stone where names are yet to be written."

The accounts assistant for Lafarge Shared Services based at Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK in Syston, Leicester, is a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Dozens of members of the association attended Ride to the Wall which this year is expected to raise more than £50,000 for the NMA.

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