Motorcyclists’ rode into the grounds of a Worcestershire hospice on Friday to present a donation in memory of a much-loved friend.
The 17-strong group of bikers were led by Trevor Kirk, whose wife, Janet, was cared for by St Richard’s Hospice before her death in November 2020, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mr Kirk, 61, from Evesham, road a customised motorbike, named Jannie Anne, in memory of his late wife.
“The support Janet and I received from St Richard’s Hospice was second to none,” he said.
“Had we not had that, it would have been a much darker journey for us.”
The motorcyclists are members of the England VI, XI, XV and XX chapters of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.
The group presented community and event fundraising manager at St Richard’s, Kelly Johns, with a £700 donation raised by members of the XV chapter.
Mr Johns said: “It was very impressive, and moving, to watch the bikers ride into our grounds in tribute to Janet.
“We are incredibly grateful to the club for their generous donation, which will help us continue to provide care to patients and their loved ones across the county.
“It was a pleasure to see Trevor’s bike too, which he has lovingly refurbished and had beautifully painted in memory of his wife.”
Mr Kirk, who works in the prison service, rode a red-and-gold 2003 Honda motorcycle, given to him by his wife.
The bike was adorned with black-and-white images of the couple on their wedding day in 2020.
He has spent the past nine months transforming the motorcycle, including handling the mechanical work.
“The idea behind it really was that whenever I go out on my motorcycle, she is still with me on my rides out,” said Mr Kirk, who first met his wife in 2010.
“Along with that, it was a way of dealing with the grief of losing her – and it gave me something to focus on.
“The motorbike is priceless now. It is probably my most prized possession, because it represents Jan.”
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