Sunday 13th September saw nearly 500 riders, families and members of the public come together at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, for the unveiling of the Elysium Memorial, a memorial dedicated to veterans and serving personnel who have lost their lives to suicide, and their families.

The event was organised by Wheels for Wishes, with riders travelling to the Arboretum as part of a large group ride. Members of the public also came out along the route to show their support, despite the poor weather at the start of the morning.

A turnout bigger than expected

According to Wheels for Wishes organiser Ally, nearly 500 bikes took part, with riders travelling from across the UK, as far afield as Bristol. Ally said the turnout was bigger than expected, with more bikes taking part than anticipated.

The scale of the ride was also visible through the different county and regional names displayed on Wheels for Wishes clothing, giving a clear indication of the communities represented by those who had travelled to take part.

Leading the Wheels for Wishes group ride into the National Memorial Arboretum was Liliana Myers, who helped bring the large convoy together for the memorial unveiling.

The event brought together riders from different backgrounds and motorcycle communities, with the focus firmly on why they had made the journey rather than what they rode.

A memorial with a clear purpose

The Elysium Memorial Foundation, founded by Edward MacKenzie, has created what is described as the UK’s first memorial solely dedicated to veterans and members of the Armed Forces who have died by suicide.

The memorial provides a dedicated place to remember those who have died, recognise their service and acknowledge the impact suicide has on families, friends and communities.

Mental Health Motorbike also had a presence at the event, while attendees could be seen wearing clothing and displaying logos connected with organisations including Samaritans and Combat Stress.

The message surrounding the memorial was reflected throughout the gathering: talking about mental health and suicide matters and creating opportunities for people to reach out and seek support can make a difference.

From rain to sunshine

The morning began grey, bleak and wet, but the weather gradually improved as riders made their way towards the Arboretum.

By the time the group arrived, the rain had eased, temperatures were rising and the clouds were beginning to break. As the dedication ceremony and unveiling took place, the sun came through and shone across the memorial and those gathered around it.

The service included speeches, with Nick Millen OBE among those speaking, alongside the dedication of the memorial. A bagpiper played as part of the service before attendees were invited to lay wreaths and floral tributes.

Flags were held throughout the ceremony and many attendees wore medals, reflecting the strong connection between the memorial and the Armed Forces community.

Wreaths and floral tributes were then carried forward and laid by those attending, with families, friends, veterans, serving personnel, riders and members of the public coming together to remember those whose lives had been lost.

A community effort

Behind the scenes, Wheels for Wishes organisers Ally and Garry together with marshals and volunteers, worked to make the large-scale ride and gathering possible.

It was a significant turnout for an event centred on remembrance, with the motorcycle community demonstrating once again its willingness to come together for a cause that affects so many.

The British Motorcyclists Federation was proud to attend and stand alongside the motorcycle community and the Elysium Memorial Foundation on the day.

The National Memorial Arboretum will also welcome thousands of motorcyclists for their 19th annual Ride to the Wall on the 3rd October, when riders will gather for the Service of Remembrance and to honour those who have served and those who are remembered there.

Written by MJ 

All images authors own.