Exhibition to raise money for wounded

Exhibition to raise money for wounded

14 March 2012

A SEAFORDE man is planning to launch a unique motorcycle exhibition in Seaforde later this month to raise money for two charities that help wounded servicemen and women.

Robert Maxwell will have up to 70 bikes on display during the two-day show with the main attraction expected to be the largest assembly of new Norton motorcycles ever seen in Northern Ireland.

He is hoping the exhibition, which will be held in Seaforde Young Farmers’ Hall on Friday and Saturday, March 30 and 31, will raise significant funds for BLESMA, which provides support to wounded ex-servcemen, and the locally based 2Rifles Charity Fund, which supports the Ballykinlar-based army battalion.

Robert, who is an ex-serviceman, was supported by BLESMA when he lost his arm in a serious road traffic accident in 2004.

Since 2006, he has been a volunteer for BLESMA, bringing wounded men and women on trips to the Norton motorcycle factory and also working as a snowboarding instructor.

Almost two years ago, he raised over £4,000 for BLESMA and the Army Benevolent Fund by undertaking a gruelling two mile swim off Cranfield beach.

He is now hoping his latest venture will be as successful for the charities.

“There will be road bikes, old and new race bikes, motocross and scrambler bikes, I am trying to cater for all tastes while raising money for two very worthwhile charities,” he said.

“I have also had a brand new mountain bike, valued at £300, donated for a raffle prize.”

The motorcycle show will open on Friday, March 30, at 6pm and entry will be £5.

Refreshments will be available throughout the two-day event and souvenir programmes will also be available to purchase for £3. Children will have free entry.

Everyone is welcome.