An estimated 15,000 bikers roared through the Wiltshire market town on Mothering Sunday (14th March, 2010) to honour troops killed in Afghanistan, raising more than £75,000 for the charity Afghan Heroes.

It was initially hoped that 1,000 would take part however as the event quickly gained a large interest from the Motorcycle community throughout the UK and beyond, the organisers had to close the registration at just over 10,000.

Motorbikes were arriving at the meeting place of Hullavington Airfield from 8am to take part in the mass ride-in, which started at 11:00 and ran until early evening, with bikers leaving the airfield at 30 minute intervals to make their way to Wootton Bassett.

The Bikers were greeted with streets lined with people waving and clapping the riders, holding flags and even signs to saying 'Thank you Bikers' and 'I heart Bikers!'

During each repatriation, hundreds of people turn out to stand in silence as the coffins pass through, as the bodies of soldiers are driven through, en route from RAF Lyneham to the coroner’s office in Oxford. This day brought noise, movement and happiness to the town and also showed  a mark of respect to the town of Wootton Bassett.

The police, Ministry of Defence and local authorities joined forces to make sure it passed smoothly.

The Afghan Heroes charity set up in September, 2009 by a group of mothers who lost their sons in Afghanistan.

All proceeds raised from the ride will go to the Afghan Heroes charity, which helps our service personnel in theatre, families of the fallen and our returning troops.

www.afghanheroes.org.uk