A CHARITABLE group of bikers will turn out in force across Warwickshire this weekend to honour a lady fighting a losing battle with cancer.
Norma Bowers was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2012 and has since had multiple treatments including a stem cell harvest and a transplant.
Despite receiving all help available, Norma has been told by doctors she has just months left to live.
Determined not to let the news dampen her spirits, Norma requested her biker friends from Shakespeare Bikers, Coventry Bike Meets and Buds with Bikes to escort her coffin during the big send-off.
However, members of the biker community had a much bigger and better idea.
After being approached by Norma’s husband, Lee, members of the biker community decided to grant Norma one final ride to raise vital funds for the Myeloma Trust – a charity which has supported Norma throughout her battle with the disease.
Starting at The Millpool in Coventry, the bikers will commute along the Fosse Way before arriving at the Tramway Pub in Stratford at midday on Sunday, December 4 for Norma’s Ride.
The event has raised more than £1,000 for the Myeloma Trust before a wheel has even turned, and event organiser Carole Davis is hopeful that with the public’s support the £2,000 mark can be broken.
Speaking to The Observer, Carole said: “We was first approached by Lee three weeks ago and he mentioned Norma was planning her funeral and asked if we could escort her during the procession.
“It was heartbreaking news to hear but obviously we were all keen to help make Norma’s day special – but then something clicked.
“We realised we could make her parade happen before her own eyes and that’s where the idea for this charity ride came from.”
All monies raised from the ride will be donated to the charity to help with its vital work to support patients and their families with everything a myeloma diagnosis brings.
This includes supporting the charity’s funding into world-leading genetics research and delivering unique resources and tailored information for doctors, nurses and other clinicians to ensure patients receive the best treatment and care.
Norma herself will be taking part in the ride as she makes the 20mile journey from Coventry to Stratford in her own trike.
Carole said: “When Norma agreed to take part in the ride we were all delighted.
“Bikers have received a lot of bad press in the past few months, and we want people to realise not all bikers go on rides to pop wheelies and cause disruption among residents.
“I’d love the event to raise £2,000 for the Myeloma Trust as it’s a charity that has helped Norma tremendously through this hard time.
“We want Norma to remember this ride forever as it will be the last one of her life.”
It’s expected around 150 bikers will ride for Norma, and Carole said the team are prepared for all weather conditions as winter begins to settle.
“It will be cold and I’m sure Norma will be cold,” she said.
“However we’ll keep her wrapped up to ensure her last ride is a memorable one.
“Norma is a special lady who has fought her battle with cancer for four years now, we’re prepared to do anything we can to help her.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/normasride to make a donation or [email protected] to find out further information.
