Bikers to turn M60 red for Greater Manchester veterans’ charity on Poppy Day

Bikers gather in 2021 for the Ring of Red

Veterans into Logistics, a Greater Manchester based charity that trains veterans into new careers as HGV drivers has been chosen as Ring of Red M60’s charity of the year 2022.  

This year’s annual Remembrance Sunday Ride of Respect takes place on Sunday 13 November and all bikers will wear something red to form a spectacular red poppy around Manchester when viewed from above the M60. Organiser, Jeanette ‘Netty’ Kiely said: “It has become a hugely popular physical show of support for the Armed Forces, both past and present.

“We are delighted to support Veterans into Logistics this year through donations from the sale of our merchandise, as every year we create Ring of Red M60 commemorative merchandise including          T-shirts, flags and pin badges.”

Veterans into Logistics COO, Major Ian Battersby said: “We can’t wait to be part of this incredible event on Remembrance Sunday. Our mission is to reduce poverty and homelessness for veterans and the vulnerable by training and supporting them into new careers as HGV drivers. We thank Ring of Red M60 for helping to highlight and support our work, with funds raised going towards training veterans into their new careers.”

The event will be led by Veterans into Logistics’ truck dedicated to Jamie Doyle who served 22 years in The Royal Artillery. He was found dead at home, tragically being unable to cope less than 12 months after leaving the British Army. In 2020, Veterans into Logistics was formed, purchasing their first HGV training vehicle and naming it in memory of Jamie.

Last year 4,400 bikers participated in the Ride of Respect, and this year organisers invite riders to turn up at MOTO Birch Services Westbound from 9am for the ride-out starting at 1pm. The event ends as the bikers return to MOTO Birch Services Eastbound, followed by an invitation to come together at Rochdale Mayfield Rugby Club where there will be military vehicles on display, a Veterans into Logistics merchandise stall and refreshments.

Riders come from across the country to take part in what has fast become a staple in thousands of bikers’ calendars, and they prepare their bikes months in advance to take part in the striking display.

Look out for the amazing aerial photos on Veterans into Logistics’ and Ring of Red M60’s social media pages.  

For more information on Veterans into Logistics, visit: www.veteransintologistics.org.uk