A CHORUS of roaring motorbike engines took to the streets of Blackwood to pay tribute to Trudy Jones, a year on from her death in the Tunisia terror attacks.
Ms Jones was one of 30 Britons killed by a gunman in Sousse in June last year, with IS claiming responsibility for the shooting.
Members of the Valleys Commandos Motorcycle club, along with siblings of the 51-year-old Blackwood mother-of-four organised the bike ride, which is the second fundraising event of its kind.
Her elder brother, Robert Birchard, said: “With all the bikers turning up, it’s been absolutely brilliant to see the level of support for Trudy.
“It was important that our mother was able to play a part in the event, as she’s 86 and is recovering from cancer. It was her birthday on the Thursday and unfortunately Trudy was shot on the Friday last year.”
The bike ride will support the charities Help for Heroes and Macmillan and the total amount raised is expected to be announced shortly.
This year, around 400 bikers made the 20-minute tour, setting off from the council offices in Pontllanfraith before heading into Blackwood to the Market Place.
“The community could not have done enough to help – they’ve been marvellous. We, as a family, cannot thank all the organisers of the event enough,” said Mr Birchard.
Last year, the previous bike ride raised around £300 for Ms Jones’ immediate family following her death.
Bernard ‘Bernie’ Davies, the national president of the Valleys Commandos added that it was important for Wales’ largest independent motorcycle club to get involved.
“It was important for us to get involved once again as we want to keep her memory alive,” he said, adding that riders from all over Wales had travelled to Blackwood to participate in the commemorative event.
“She was a Blackwood girl, born and bred. This cause is very close to our hearts and we can only see the event getting bigger and bigger.”
Following the bike ride around Blackwood, a music event and barbecue was held in Blackwood at the New Foresters.
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