Memorial ride draws hundreds of Black Country bikers

Brandon Carter, from Colley Gate, Cradley, died in May aged 27 after a battle against the effects of terminal lung cancer.

Friends and family gathered to pay tribute to the biking enthusiast and replicate a ride which he took back in January.

Organisers set up an event for him to have the chance to ride on a Harley Davidson bike as one of his dying wishes.

And friends turned out to stage another ride on Sunday to raise money for Macmillan cancer care at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was treated.

His uncle Dave Brenton, aged 53, a retired policeman who has taken up motorbike riding since the earlier event, also took part.

Brandon's mother Carole Nevill watched on as more than 400 riders set off from bike dealership Streetbike, in Mucklow Hill, Halesowen.

They set off led by one bike carrying photographs of Brandon and went to a bikers' cafe in Quatt, near Bridgnorth.

The memorial ride took place as many of the group were unable to attend the burial which took place in Eastbourne where Mr Carter originally lived and where his family is from.

His mother Carole, 55, said: "This is the first time I've been back here since we lost Brandon and I'm overwhelmed to see the people here who have come together for my son.

"They have been fantastic, raising lots of money. It is a bit surreal, the last time they did all this Brandon was still with us.

"We lost him so quick but at least he got to do what he wanted to do. I have to say thanks to all these lovely people."

Mr Brenton, who now rides a Yamaha 950 Midnight Star Cruiser, added: "It is brilliant. When Brandon watched the Terminator and there was the Harley on it and ever since he saw that he wanted to ride on one."

One of the organisers, Stewart Boggild, 27, from Tipton, known as Bluey, said he was delighted with the turnout from riders.

"A lot of the riders around here wanted to do a memorial ride to remember him," said Mr Boggild who runs the Bridgnorth Bikers group.