More than 120 motorcyclists rode together for 126 kilometres on Saturday in memory of a Brantford woman who died last year.
It marked the third edition of Desiree’s Ride, which started in 2014 as a fundraiser for Desiree Gallagher and her family.
In May 2013, Gallagher fell seven storeys off a balcony in London. She suffered a broken spine and a severe brain injury which ultimately proved fatal.
Family friend John Kormos was one of the people who helped turn the ride from an idea into reality.
“It almost gives you a chill down your spine when you see the bikes firing up, and knowing that they’re all there for one cause,” he said.
Proceeds from this year’s ride are being split between the Victim Services of Brant and Nova Vita, which provides crisis services in Brantford.
“We want to help others who have gone through what (Gallagher’s family) has gone through,” said ride volunteer Michelle King.
Last year’s ride raised $8,000. King says she hopes this year’s event will hit $10,000.
Organizers have already set a date for the 2017 edition of Desiree’s Ride.
They’re also planning a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for October, and hope to expand with events in other communities in southern Ontario.
With reporting by Carina Sledz
