94-year-old former racer surprised with bike ride from Dacorum Motorcycle Riders at Berkhamsted care home

Olivia Preston
By Olivia Preston

News Reporter

Published 23rd Aug 2022, 13:37 BST
Updated 24th Aug 2022, 09:09 BST
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Harry was saluted by more than 40 bikers at Ashlyns Care Home

An former racer has been treated to a motorbike ride from Dacorum Motorcycle Riders (DMR) after a manager at his care home asked for help on Facebook to grant his wish.

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Harry Spinks, 94, was surprised by DMR on Saturday (August 20) who met with him to discuss all things biking.

The biker group started their journey to see him at Monks Inn in Hemel Hempstead.

Bikes ready to meet Harry outside Monks Inn in Hemel Hempstead town centre.Bikes ready to meet Harry outside Monks Inn in Hemel Hempstead town centre.
Bikes ready to meet Harry outside Monks Inn in Hemel Hempstead town centre.

Driving up the A41, DMR stopped to pick up more people on their way to Harry, who was waiting and waving on his balcony as the riders arrived at the care home.

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Harry, who formerly was a bike racer and mechanic, made it down to the front of Ashlyns Care Home where he was greeted by more than 40 bikes.

DMR were joined by Royal British Legion, Mudslingers, Two Wheels And Tarmac, Berkoff Bobbers and other local riders for the event.

Jon Andrews, organiser and member of DMR was part of the convoy which turned up to put a smile on the faces of Harry, his family and the care home staff.

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Harry sta on the bay of the trike.Harry sta on the bay of the trike.
Harry sta on the bay of the trike.
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Jon added: “We wanted to do this because he's a fellow biker and it is just something nice to do. We want to put out there that not all bikers are bad.”

He added: “I'm so proud of my DMR family and especially Gavin King, who is my rock, and Joseph. They are so special to us.”

For a special surprise for Harry, a member of DMR bought his trike to the event for Harry to sit on and enjoy a trip around Ashlyns’ roundabout.

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Harry with a picture of him in his racing days.Harry with a picture of him in his racing days.
Harry with a picture of him in his racing days.

Kelly Huxtable, who is the care manager of Ashlyns residential home, posted the appeal for help to grant Harry’s wish.

She said: “It was an absolutely wonderful feeling just to be able to help him. It was absolutely mad. I got upset and it was really emotional day.”

Kelly added: “It was amazing. Just to see how they reacted to somebody so poorly, the atmosphere was brilliant. The guys were fantastic.”

> DMR is organising a ride in honour of Harry Dunn, a 19-year-old who was killed after a road traffic collision in Northamptonshire, on the third anniversary of his death.

Related topics:Dacorum Motorcycle RidersBerkhamstedFacebook