WARM, sunny September weather greeted thousands of motorcyclists taking part in the 32nd Martin Jennings Memorial Run yesterday. 

The event commemorates the life of the Beacon man who died in the 1987 Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man as well as all other Cornish riders who have lost their lives.

An estimated 1,200 bikers took part in the event which culminates in a ride through Falmouth ending at the rugby club.

Riders assembled at Tregurra Park and Ride Car Park in Truro at 8.30am for a 10.30am start.

More than £5,800 has so far been collected from this year's event, for two life-saving charities: Cornwall Blood Bikes and Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Organiser David Saunby, who is also a Cornwall Councillor representing Falmouth's Trescobeas ward, spoke about how he and his friend Martin Jennings "spent some great times on the Isle of Man on holiday".

Speaking about how the event has grown massively since the first ride in which 130 people showed up, David said: "I think he would have appreciated it."

He has since spoken of his gratitude to everyone who took part, saying: "I would like to say a huge thank you to all the bikers from far and near who turned out for an incident free run yesterday, which was estimated at 1,200 at the start.

"An amazing £5,806.17 was collected from the bikers' entry fees, and donations from the public at the start in aid of The Cornwall Blood Bikes, and The Cornwall Air Ambulance with more to come from the collections at Beacon and Falmouth at the finish.

"A very, very special to the MJMA (Martin Jennings Marshals Association) who did a great job throughout the day, because without them the ride could never take place."

He went on to thank other organisations and people who had got involved to make the event what it is, including Cornwall Blood Bikes, Cornwall Air Ambulance, Cornwall Council, Cormac, the Duchy of Cornwall, Park and Ride Bus Co, Highways England and Devon and Cornwall Police.

He also thanked Goldmine DAB Radio, Fonzie Disco, Cornwall Services, Falmouth Rugby Club and Falmouth mayor Steve Eva, plus the event's caterers and photographers.

"[Thank you to] the people who turned out on route in their thousands to watch the run pass by.

"And last but not least the residents of Beacon, Martin Jennings' home village, who turned out in their hundreds to welcome us."

Next year's run, the 33rd Martin Jennings Memorial Motorcycle Run, will take place on the second Sunday in September 2020.