AN ex-Royal Marine set up a new organisation in a bid to promote mental wellbeing through motorcycling.

Duncan Wilkinson, 57, was a bodyguard for big-name celebrities including Robbie Williams, Queen, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez and many more.

But due to the impact of the ongoing pandemic on his career, the father of twin girls decided to use his free time to set up his own shop – Moto Cave – with his friend Paul Dobb.

Duncan wanted to create a space within his shop for former and serving military, emergency services and NHS workers who share a common passion for biking.

He decided to set up a non-profit organisation called Ride and Recover which promotes mental wellbeing through advanced rider training, basic maintenance and wellbeing therapy sessions.

He told the Adver: “Covid pushed me to a change of life. My love of motorcycles and how they got me through some very dark times gave me the idea of combining the two skills of services and care.

“It’s been a good escape for me over the years.

“The pressures of life for the military, emergency services, and NHS can often be overlooked and treated as part of their job. This manifests in many aspects of mental and physical health, personal relationships and quality of life.”

Duncan was a former Royal Marine Commando for 18 years and a bodyguard for more than 20. After suffering a broken back on duty, he discovered motorcycles on advice from his surgeon.

He added: “People think of motorbikes as just a form of transport but it’s much more than that. The journey is more important than the destination.”

He added: “I came up with the idea and I’ve got a couple of therapists available, who are happy come and help out.

“From newcomers to old timers, our courses are held in small groups to suit individual riders’ needs and skill levels.”

At this stage, their services are offered to those who have a full motorcycle licence and their own bike.

He added: “Our aim for the future is to train newcomers for their full licence and introduce them to the many benefits of riding.”

Duncan wanted to build a community for riders across the town and raise awareness of suicide.

“For people who have bought bikes, who are out there on their own, you have a community to come to a safe place, hang out and meet other people,” he said.

“I’ve been depressed enough to think about suicide and many times in my life and every time I felt like that, I’ve gone out and got my bike keys and gone out for a ride.

“There’s a sense of freedom. And I feel better.”

Duncan set up a JustGiving page to raise fund for Ride and Recover. To support the project visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rideandrecover.

The unit is in Ash Indistrial Estate on the Kembrey Business Park.