Motorcycle enthusiasts are to take to the road in memory of the dozens of lives tragically lost as a result of domestic violence in Northern Ireland over the past six years.
And they will raise money and awareness of two fantastic charities which work day and daily by providing vital services to support all those who might find themselves at risk.
The Co Down Marshalls – an all-volunteer motorbike group – are organising the ‘Purple Ride Out/Ride for Respect’, which will also venture into the ABC borough as part of the chosen route.
And bike riders of all age and skill are more than welcome to come along and join them.
Nexus NI and MAP NI benefit from the proceeds of the ride out, which is due to take place on Sunday, August 23.
Participants are asked to make a contribution of £10 per rider, £5 per pillion passenger, or £15 minimum donation for a purple T-shirts or hi-vis vests, every penny of which will support the work of the chosen charities.
It is hoped that this ‘Purple Ride Out’ will become an annual event, but the Co Down Marshalls are certainly no strangers to the fundraising game.
As a spokesperson, taking time out for a chat with Armagh I, explained: “Over five years ago, a group of us all got together to do a ride of thanks for the NHS and it has progressed on from then. We’ve been organising charity runs, supporting causes like the NHS, Air Ambulance NI, Joey Dunlop’s 25th Anniversary, Heart Warriors, K9 Search & Rescue NI, and many more.
“We’ve quite a lot of experience in doing it and we’ve raised quite a lot of money throughout the year supporting local charities. It seems to get bigger and bigger every year.”
The group hail from a wide area, but the majority are based in Newtownards – hence the ‘Co Down Marshalls’ moniker. This event is being organised by Mary Patterson, with Chris Brown and Stephen Griffin the head marshals.
“At the minute there’s about 50 of us altogether. It’s a community thing. Whoever wants to come and join in on the run and raise money for whatever charities we’re supporting can,” added the spokesperson.
“We organise a day out for everyone. We put the flyers out in the hope that whoever can’t join us, when we’re driving past, they can come out and show a wee bit of support for us going past, or take a few photos, or videos, or things like that.
“Whenever we did our last run for the K9 Search and Rescue we had over 300 bikes. We’re hoping to have a good few out for this one, but obviously you can’t predict these things, given the weather, holiday times and stuff like that, but we’ll just take it as it is.”
County Armagh’s own motorbike owners are invited to come along and join in and help swell the numbers; after all, the bigger the crowd, the bigger the donation and the greater the impact!
“If you have a motorbike or a trike or you’re just learning, you’re more than welcome,” was the message. “The routes are safe for learner drivers and there’s marshals there for them as well. There’s a good lot of support with people coming along with us. It’s just a general good day out for anyone who wants to take part.”
Those wishing to join in should assemble at the car park at McDonalds Restaurant at Sprucefield for 9am on August 23.
And for those wishing to view the ride out as it passes by – and it certainly should be well worth seeing! – here’s all you need to know…
“We are planning to leave Sprucefield at 10 o’clock and we’re going towards the Hillsborough Road, Lisburn Road, and up into Rathfriland and Moneyslane, then back on ourselves towards Dundrum, where we’ll have a 30 minute break,” said the spokesperson.
“We’ll then travel down towards Clough, Downpatrick, Saintfield, Killinchy, Portaferry Road, and back down to Donaghadee, and we’ve kindly been allowed to use the Maritime Heritage Centre as our finishing point.
“Whenever we reach that finishing point, we’re planning on having a balloon release as a mark of remembrance.”
Those balloons will signify all of those precious lives lost through domestic violence.
The event, therefore, will serve as a commemoration, ensuring that they will never be forgotten, whilst also raising money to help the two charities work with others – both men and women – who may feel in danger and in need of support.
“Whenever we were actually coming together and we spoke about what charities we would like to support, I think it was a lot to do with what’s actually going on in our own community,” explained the spokesperson.
“Our ride is for respect. Domestic abuse does not discriminate — it happens to men, women, children and unborn babies right here on our own doorstep. We want to break the stigma, show that real strength means standing up for others and that we stand firmly against all violence.
“We ride in loving memory of 48 precious lives lost since 2020, while raising funds for Nexus NI and MAP NI — vital local services supporting everyone affected.
“We are asking every single person taking part to wear purple — so together we become a moving sea of purple, riding for respect, remembrance and hope.”
To register, click here.
And to keep up to date with the Co Down Marshalls, check out the Facebook group here.
