Motorbike enthusiast to ride 1,600 miles from Southport to Spain in support of friend

A motorbike enthusiast will begin a daring fundraising challenge riding between Southport and Spain this Friday (27th September 2024). 

People are invited to cheer on Graeme Thow as he sets off from Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant in Southport on a Husa Berg FE 501 off road enduro bike before heading off on his 1,600 mile Ride 4 Baz challenge, which he expects to complete on 6th October 2024. 

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

Baz, his partner, Karen Waind, 54, and their daughter, Jasmine Fleming, 22, moved to live in Spain several years ago, and Graeme is looking forward to seeing them when he completes his challenge. 

On the way he aims to do lots of fundraising; raising awareness; and showing his friend just how loved he is by so many people. 

He is due to arrive at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant in Southport at 9.30am and will aim to set off at 11am. 

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, is all ready to go. 

He 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. 

“As one of the 46,000 bikers to take part in the amazing “Dave Day” ride for Hairy Biker Dave Myers, I was inspired to do something for my own friend. 

“I will be riding both on and off road from their former home town of Southport all the way down to the Adventure Rider Centre in Southern Spain over 10 days. 

“I will be posting daily updates on Facebook, giving the opportunity to follow the public facebook group Ride4Baz and on justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Ride4Baz 

“If you could possibly encourage me along the way with a wave or a hug, or even join me for part of the ride, that really would be amazing.

“When I finally arrive there on t6th October I hope to show them how much love and compassion there is for them and give them a big hug from us all. 

“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.

“I have set an initial target of £5,000 but I really hope we can keep increasing the target. 

“Thank you for all your help, with love and hugs.”

Silcock Leisure Group Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said:

“We are always delighted to do what we can to support brilliant community events like this and wish Graeme every success on his challenge. 

“We are immensely impressed at how everyone has come together to support others since the terrible tragedy in Southport this summer.” 

People are welcome to donate here.

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