Rallying call to support troops in Afghanistan

June 14, 2010 - PRLog -- The organiser of the country’s biggest ever motorbike ride is calling on the public to turn up in force at an event taking place in Chepstow on 25, 26 and 27 June.

Julia Stevenson, who organised the Mothering Sunday Wootton Bassett ‘Ride of Respect’ earlier in the year, at which over 22,000 bikers rode through the Wiltshire town, is now encouraging people from across the country to attend The Thunder Rally weekend at Chepstow Racecourse.

The rally is raising money for the Afghan Heroes charity and will include a host of events including a fly-past by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring historic aircraft from the Second World War; the famous White Helmets motorcycle display team from the Royal Corps of Signals and the Tiger children’s motorcycle display team.

Friday evening entertainment will include the Parachute Regiment Display Team. There will be a funfair throughout the weekend and music from top AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Bells; The Cheap Suits, Matt Shaw’s Meatloaf Experience, Dementia, Lime Shark, Frixton and many more.

Afghan Heroes is a charity set up by families who have lost loved ones in the Afghanistan conflict and now provide support to other families.

The charity has also arranged for 10,000 boxes of home comforts to be delivered to all front line serving troops who will receive them on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 26 June in Helmand Province.

Julia said: “The Thunder Rally weekend looks set to be a really fun packed event with lots of things going on for all the family. The Wootton Bassett ride was phenomenal and this is a chance for people from all walks of life to show their support for the troops. I would like as many bikers and members of the public to come along and make this a great success.

“I can’t think of a more worthwhile cause and groups from throughout the country I know are travelling to Chepstow. We hope it will be a day where families, local people, military families and bikers all have a great time together.”

Denise Harris, founder of Afghan Heroes added: “We’re looking forward to having a great weekend and want as many people to come along and enjoy themselves either for the day or for the whole weekend.

“Saturday will be a very poignant moment for the charity as it will be the day the charity’s first mission will be completed. We hope that the items of home comforts the boys and girls will receive on Armed Forces Day will remind them that the country is right behind them and have our full support.”

Entry to the event is £20 for the weekend. Further information on www.afghanheroes.org.uk