Kind-hearted motorcyclists ride again in memory of biker Brandon

And 12 months ago 400 biking fanatics joined the 27-year -old as he realised his dream, by riding a Harley Davidson through the streets of the Black Country from Halesowen to Bridgnorth.

Sadly, Brandon, who was from Colley Gate, Halesowen, lost his battle with skin cancer just four months later at the age of just 27.

When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, his family were determined to ensure he would ride on one of the famous bikes as he had always dreamed.

Now family and friends and the biking enthusiasts whose hearts he warmed are coming back to do it all again in his memory.

His uncle David Brenton said: "Brandon was a big film buff. With any film he would be able to tell you who starred in it and what vehicles were in it.

"When he was a kid he saw The Terminator in which Arnold Schwarzenegger rides a Harley Fat Boy and he said he would love to ride a Harley Davidson. And when he was first diagnosed he said again that he would love to ride one."

His family made it their mission to give him his wish, and through biking friends and Bridgnorth Bikes they managed to organise the event.

But it came as a surprise to all when 400 bikes descended on Streetbike in Halesowen to join what became known as the first Dream Ride, 20 miles to the Quatt cafe near Bridgnorth.

Organisers had originally planned a small gathering but as word started to spread, more and more people wanted to join in and help raise money.

They now plan to make the Dream Ride an annual event.

Brandon's family are hoping as much money can be raised as the convoy prepares to set off on the 2015 ride, next Sunday.

After last year's ride, Brandon's family set a target of reaching £10,000 for Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Fighting Skin Cancer Fund over the following 12 months.

Brandon's uncle David Brenton said his story had left a mark on the biking community.

David said: "It's amazing how many people have got involved. We raised just under £2,000 from the first ride and after that we said we would like to raise a total of £10,000 over the next 12 months.

"The total so far is around £5,850 with money from other events and functions so we need another £4,200.

"His death left a mark on these men who had never met him before.

"I know Brandon's mother Carole is absolutely overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and kindness of the bikers. It gave her a little bit of light to bring her out of the darkness.

"There was a feeling that we would do it every year and that is what we're going to do."

I The convoy will leave Streetbike, in Dudley Road, Halesowen at 11am.

As well as funds, David said there is also a need to raise awareness of skin cancer.

"Anyone can get it, no matter how old or young you are," he said.

"There is a lot of ignorance to it, people don't cover up in the sun and do the things they should do.

"Brandon did cover up and did all those things so why he got it I don't know. It could have been because he was fair skinned but the consultant at the time said it doesn't matter about what colour pigment you have."

So while Brandon might not be part of the hundreds of bikers that set off from Streetbike this year, he will very much be at the forefront of the minds of all those involved.