A record number of bikers took part in this year’s 37th Martin Jennings Memorial Run, raising more than £8,000 - so far - for The Alzheimer’s Society.

Organiser David Saunby said he was blown away by the amount raised and the number of bikers taking part.

More than 1,500 bikers took part in the event, which set off from Tregurra Park and Ride Car Park, Truro, 11am for their countywide ride around Cornwall in memory of Martin Jennings of Beacon Camborne, who sadly lost his life competing in the Isle of Man Manx GP.

(Image: Colin Higgs) After the lunch stop at Cornwall Services, the huge convoy of motorcycles made its way down the A30 to Camborne West, where it went through Camborne, and then up to Beacon, Martins's home village, arriving at 3pm.

Here a minute's silence was held in the village square, for Martin and all other bikers that have lost their lives on the roads of Cornwall and beyond.

(Image: Colin Higgs) The run then continued to the finish at the Falmouth Recreation Ground arriving at 4.15pm, via Troon, Helston, Rame, Londowns, Treliever, Penryn By-pass, Ponsharden, Greenbank, Main Street, Bar Road, Castle Drive, Seafront, Pennance Road, and Western Terrace.

However it didn’t all go to plan - as David in the lead approached the road barrier at Camborne Railway Station it came down, trapping them behind it.

(Image: Colin Higgs) They had to wait ten minutes before the barrier came up, with the convoy piling up behind them.

But David said the support they had was amazing, especially in Helston and Camborne, where hundreds of people lined the streets to give their support.

“In Helston and Camborne the roads and the bridges were full up and lined with people,” he said. “It was a fantastic day, everybody behaved themselves but we had to stop for the train at Camborne crossing, which came down as I was approaching.”

(Image: Colin Higgs) One of the many posts praising the event was made by Jon Hilton who posted on the Martin Jennings Run Facebook page: “Absolutely brilliant day today! Record number of bikes and contributions at the start, no issues with the rozzers (I hope) and everyone hopefully got back safely.

“Many thanks to David Saunby for his organisation and planning, the marshals for giving their time to help out, the bike riding community of Cornwall for making this a special day AND each and every one of the people lining the roads, standing on bridges, waiting in lay-bys who cheered, waved and took photos as we rode past. Makes it all soooo worthwhile!”

(Image: Stephen Crawford Davies) At the time of the writing the event has raised in excess of £8,310 from the day, with more expected to come in. You can still contribute at the just giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DavidSaunby1

Collector Claire Frost of the Alzeimer’s Society, which provides help for those suffering from dementia,  said they were blown away by everybody’s generosity.

(Image: Colin Higgs) “A huge thankyou to David and to you ALL for your support of Alzheimer's Society yesterday,” she said.

“Myself and my team of volunteers were blown away by everyone's generosity and the fantastic atmosphere both at Tregurra and at Falmouth. Thank you to everyone who came to find me at Falmouth to put their donation in the bucket.

Organiser David Saunby (Image: Colin Higgs) “This was huge for us in Cornwall and we were delighted to be the chosen charity for such an iconic event - it really was community fundraising at its best!”

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