Motorcycle legend on grid for charity fundraisers

Motorcycle legend on grid for charity fundraisers

A former holder of the world land speed record for motorcycle and sidecars is organising a series of events in the coming months to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Norman Hyde, aged 81, of Leamington Spa, was diagnosed with vascular Dementia last year. Since then, he has run a series of events to collect funds for Dementia UK and has several in the pipeline to mobilise the community to get behind the cause.

These include:

• A Ride to Recall series of motorcycle rides across the next 12 months - backed by the 8,000-member Triumph Owners Club and supported by the Triumph motorcycle factory.

• A Racket to Recall event at the Real Tennis Club, in Leamington, and, simultaneously, at the court in Moreton Morrell, followed by a fund raising dinner on December 5 where the prizes will be presented by WDC councillor Sidney Syson

• A slot at the National Motorcycle Museum Open weekend this month.

Norman, a former Triumph employee, said: “Since being diagnosed, I have been working to raise money for Dementia UK.

“The response to the tennis and dinner has been amazing, with almost a full complement of players already entered. The dinner menu will consist of specially selected 'brain food'.

“The motorcycle rides go on through the year though a series of events.

“I have raised funds for prostate cancer, and continue to do so, but dementia is something which has affected me more recently and I will do everything I can to raise money to support people managing this condition and their families.”

The National Motorcycle Museum, in Hampton in Arden, has given a free stand at its open weekend on October 24 and 25 to support the fundraising efforts.

Norman has been giving talks to raise awareness of the condition and earlier in the year, raised more than £500 through a pub quiz at the Old Post Office, in Warwick.

Norman broke British and World solo and sidecar short distance records from 1967 to 1972. At one time, he held 13 world records - more than anyone else - always riding Triumph machines.

Dementia UK has 470 specialist, trained Admiral nurses, including one at Warwick Hospital. It is hoped the fundraising drive can double that number.

To contribute, please visit www.justgiving.com/page/ridetorecall or https://www.justgiving.com/page/norman-hyde-recall?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL 

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