Local biker raises over £21k for terminally ill friend by completing 1,600 mile ride to Spain

A motorbike rider has completed a 1,600 mile adventure from Southport to Spain, to raise funds for a close friend.

Graeme Thow took on the Ride4Baz challenge on a Husa Berg FE 501 off road enduro bike to support Baz Fleming, from Southport, who is terminally ill after contracting a brain tumour.

He has already raised over £21,000. Well wishers are welcome to donate through his JustGiving page here.

Graeme was cheered on his way as he set off from outside Silccok’s Carousel and Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant in Southport on Friday, 27th September 2024.

He was delighted to make it all the way, as he was given a warm welcome to his friend Baz, Baz’ partner Karen Waind, 54, and their daughter, Jasmine Fleming, 22.

Baz, his partner, Karen Waind, 54, and their daughter, Jasmine Fleming, 22, moved to live in Spain 15 years ago to set up the Adventure Rider Centre there.

Graeme, a 61-year-old engineer from Woolton in south Liverpool, wants to raise as much money as he can after the heartbreaking news that his close friend, Baz, 59, from Southport, has been diagnosed with a malignant tumour that is sadly terminal.

Along the way, he met up with several friends, figures in the motorbike world and strangers along the way, recording video messages of support for Baz and his family to see.

On his arrival, Graeme said:

“Big hugs from all of us!

“Today was everything and more than we ever hoped for, proper big hugs, tears and joy.

“Baz, Kaz and Jaz loved everything we have done and all the messages of love and support from you all.

“All we set out to do was to find a way to make them feel loved, appreciated and supported at this most terrible time in their lives.

“It has been an honour to have been able to hold that door open for you all to show them your love, and boy do they feel that love now.

“You have all been amazing and filled their broken hearts with love, thank you for all your support.

“Baz got to hear the engine roar up close and personal.

“Thank you all so much for making our friends feel so loved.

“I am blown away by the support but then I knew once the door was held open, there would be many like me who know how humble and amazing they are and they don’t even know it.”

Part of Graeme’s inspiration came when he was among bikers who took part in the ‘Dave Day’ ride in honour of Hairy Biker Dave Myers.

Graeme, who has three daughters and two grandchildren, with a third grandchild on the way, said:

“In May this year my friend Baz Fleming was told the devastating news that he had a brain tumour.

“A biopsy confirmed it as a stage 4 glioblastoma malignant tumour that is inoperable and terminal.

“Baz is now being cared for by his loving partner Kaz and daughter Jaz, but he is weakening quickly. This beautiful family only has a short time left together.

“Over the last 15 years the family have dedicated their lives to giving everyone visiting the Adventure Rider Centre (ARC) in Mijas, the most amazing and memorable experiences.

“They have always given the friendliest of welcomes and made everyone feel like part of a bigger ARC family, meeting new friends from all over the world from novices like me to the world enduro legend Graham Jarvis.

“They really are the nicest people you could ever meet, nothing is ever too much.

“They have had to overcome some difficulties like many of us over the years, but this situation is so difficult and heartbreaking for them, that they have had to close down the ARC. The future is so sad and uncertain with their source of income now gone.

“Please share and let’s try to raise as much as we possibly can for this beautiful family in such a sad and difficult situation.”