A MEMORIAL motorbike ride and drive was held over the weekend to remember a young motorcyclist who died in a road accident in August.

The family of 21-year-old Alex Brown, from Wylye, Warminster, who died in hospital after a collision near the Crockerton roundabout, held a memorial ride to Cheddar Gorge, the last place Mr Brown visited.

The event was held to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance as well to remember Mr Brown himself.

Many friends, family and fellow bikers took part in the ride to show their support to Wiltshire Air Ambulance, when about 50 bikes and 20 cars made the 33-mile journey to Cheddar Gorge on Sunday.

Lorraine Brown, Alex’s mother, said: “It was a very emotional day for me and our family, but it was so lovely to see everyone showing their support.

“Alex absolutely loved his bike and would have loved to join us in the gorgeous weather. Alex was given the best chances due to the quick response of the air ambulance, which is why we chose to raise money for them.

“I feel it is right to give back to them after all they did for Alex and especially as they are not funded through council tax, which I believe they should be.

“You just don’t know when you could need them yourself.”

Mrs Brown has already taken part in several fundraisers in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance, and has raised a total of around £6,000.

Along with her work friends and colleagues, she completed the Wiltshire Monster Race at the end of September, which involved one of the biggest obstacle courses in the south west and a mud run.

Mrs Brown also took part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel Bike Ride, cycling 45 miles.

Mr Brown’s picture is now featured in Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s helicopter mosaic of those who have called on the services of the charity.

Mrs Brown added: “I would just like to thank everyone ever so much for their support and donations, although Alex didn’t survive, the Wiltshire Air Ambulance were so quick to get him to Southampton Hospital, and if it weren’t for that we may not have had those few days by Alex’s side before he died.

“I am so very grateful.”

Mr Brown’s family will continue to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and are planning their next big fundraiser.