Riders' tribute to fundraiser who was 'real gentleman'

Alex Braidwood, from Hednesford, died of a heart attack in Wakefield while on a fundraising trip with his motorcycle club.

Around 500 riders, dressed in leather jackets and some carrying Scottish flags, turned out to honour Mr Braidwood, who was aged 53.

The group gathered at his home in Rowley Close before making their way to Stafford Crematorium.

Mr Braidwood, who suffered with a heart condition, died on April 26 and leaves wife Julie and one daughter. He was the chairman of the Get Off Your Butts motorcycle club and was dedicated to raising as much money as he could for charity.

Michael Barber, of Norton & District Funeral Directors who helped to organise the send off, said: "There was a huge turnout for him. The funeral was a real fitting send off for a real gentleman. Alex was a much-loved character among everybody who was there."

Scottish-born Mr Braidwood was a former miner and worked at Littleton Colliery in Cannock until its closure in 1993. He then retired to dedicate his time to his passion of motorcycling.

The Get Off Your Butts motorcycle club has held many successful rallies over the years and a number of charity rides – including one which raised more than £4,000 in aid of the fundraising efforts of inspirational teenager Stephen Sutton from Burntwood.

The motorcycle club will be holding a future memorial event in memory of their former chairman.