Bikers to ride in memory of Lee Rigby and Scott Hetherington this Sunday

Friday, 16 May 2025 21:37

By David Murphy

Annual tribute returns with route through Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton

Hundreds of motorcyclists are expected to take part in a memorial ride this Sunday (18 May) in honour of two Middleton soldiers, Lee Rigby and Scott Hetherington, as well as all fallen service personnel.

The ride will begin at Asda in Rochdale, with bikers setting off at 11am. The route will take them through Heywood and on to Middleton Memorial Gardens, where a service will be held. Refreshments will follow at Middleton Masonic Hall.

The annual event began in memory of Fusilier Lee Rigby, who was killed in Woolwich, London in 2013. In recent years, it has also remembered Corporal Scott Hetherington, who died in Iraq in 2017, as well as others who have lost their lives in military service.

Organisers are welcoming all types of bikes, including scooters, trikes and learner riders. 2025 memorial patches and merchandise will be available on the day.

The ride attracts participants from across the country, and similar events will also take place in places like London and Hastings.

A spokesperson said: “This is about showing respect and riding together. Whether you’re on a bike or just coming to support, everyone’s welcome.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Tragedy in Rochdale as man dies in police custody following arrest

A man has died after suffering a cardiac arrest in a police vehicle shortly after being detained under the Mental Health Act
Royton residents worried about nine-month scheme after a series of roadworks cause mayhem

People in Oldham are worried planned roadworks this summer will cause ‘absolute mayhem’ on the roads. Oldham Council and Transport for Greater Manchester are unrolling a new road layout plan, which will see some major changes to Royton town centre.
Oldham: Battle of the deputies - 'grubby political deals' and 'outdated gentlemen's agreements'

Mayoral nominations are usually straight-forward and largely ceremonial. But this year in Oldham, the affair has courted controversy.
£500k repair scheme set to begin on Market Street Bridge in Bury

A key bridge linking Bury town centre to the wider road network is to undergo essential repairs as part of a £500,000 improvement project starting later this month.
Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of arson after Bury moorland fire

Three teenage boys have been arrested in connection with a moorland fire on Holcombe Hill in Bury earlier this week.
Falinge Park High School unveils Arts, Words and Wellbeing Garden

A new outdoor space focused on creativity, nature and student mental health has been officially opened at Falinge Park High School in Rochdale.
Pride progress flag raised at Rochdale Town Hall ahead of IDAHOBIT

Rochdale marked the upcoming International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) with a flag-raising ceremony outside the town hall today, 16 May.
The ‘concrete volcano’ dumped off a footpath in Newhey

A ‘concrete volcano’ has appeared in a picturesque area of Newhey – leaving locals fuming.
New Pegasus crossing boosts safety near Rochdale schools and Healey Dell

A new Pegasus crossing has been installed on Shawclough Road in Rochdale to improve road safety for schoolchildren and other residents, as part of a £1.9 million borough wide upgrade funded by Transport for Greater Manchester.
Young people urged to ‘fly high’ as local MP launches summer school

Elsie Blundell MP has launched a new summer school aimed at giving teenagers from Heywood and Middleton North a glimpse into careers in public service and government
Police investigating 'anti semitic attack' at Prestwich office block

Police are investigating following an incident where a Prestwich office block has been covered in red paint and graffiti.
New ceremonial mayor of Rochdale sworn in

The new mayor of Rochdale took on the civic chains in an official ceremony last night.