Group presented Sidmouth’s Marie Curie shop with cheque for £2,411
Members of Devon Trail Riders Fellowship (DTRF) have raised £2,411 for Marie Curie in honour of a much-loved friend and biker.
The group, with others from around the country, took to their motor cycles for a two-day annual fundraising event, near Woodbury, held this year in memory of Olly Cooke - a founding branch member who lost his battle with cancer just before Christmas.
Described as a much respected, generous man and talented rider, Olly lived in Exmouth and worked as a builder in Sidmouth before he was taken ill.
Members who took part in the trail riding event hope their donation presented to the Marie Curie shop in Fore Street, Sidmouth, will be the start of a lasting legacy in Olly’s memory and help show their appreciation of the ‘great work done by all at the charity’.
Friend and DTRF member Chris Cole, of Southerton, Newton Poppleford, said: “Olly was a very generous man and he was always first to come forward to help others, so I think he would be pleased to see others following in his footsteps.
“He was held in such high regard, we dedicated this year’s fundraising to Marie Curie. The charity helped Olly and his family so much when they really needed it and we are all grateful for it.
“Olly spent a lot of time and effort maintaining rights of way for all users. He was so well respected and a great rider.”
More than 50 trail riders turned out to brave the weather for Olly’s funeral in December to show their respect for a much-loved friend. DTRF member Jacki Cole has been inspired by Olly to start volunteering for Marie Curie in Sidmouth.
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