Image: TV chef Dave Myers with his motorbike
A charity fundraising event that was set up as a tribute to Dave Myers, the much-loved TV chef, raised an incredible £63,169.32 for The Institute of Cancer Research, London. Dave, who was one half of the Hairy Bikers and a lifelong motorcycle fan, sadly died from cancer in February, aged 66.
Thousands lined the route to cheer riders on
Hundreds of thousands of people around the UK joined in the celebration in June this year. The event saw 45,000 motorcyclists riding in convoy from London to Dave’s hometown, Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria. Spectators lined the route to cheer on the riders, which included Dave’s fellow Hairy Biker, Si King, and his good friend and event organiser, Jason ‘Woody’ Woodcock. The ride out was followed by a concert and service of remembrance held in Dave’s honour.
The ICR was one of two charities chosen by Dave’s widow, Liliana, to benefit from the money raised. The total amount, £127,318.62, will be divided between the ICR and the NSPCC’s Childline.
Liliana said: “My husband, Dave, was larger than life – he was warm and generous with his time. He navigated life with enthusiasm, with laughter, and with joy. He had an incredible zest for life and huge love for food, motorbikes, travel and storytelling.
“Dave was an exceptional husband, wonderful stepdad, inspirational character on screen and in real life, loyal friend and in his own words, ‘A Creator, Never a Follower’.
“After much consideration, I chose The Institute of Cancer Research as the charity to support in his memory. I want the money raised in his name to make a real difference for somebody who goes through what my husband did, and I know that by supporting this charity and research institute we will be funding the next discoveries in cancer treatment.”
Ground-breaking research into smarter, kinder treatments
Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of the ICR, said:
“It was an honour that Liliana chose the ICR to benefit from Dave Day, and we are hugely grateful for this generous contribution to our research. This funding will help us to continue our ground-breaking work into developing a new generation of smarter, kinder treatments for people with cancer.”
Catherine Graham, Joint Head of Fundraising Campaigns and Individual Giving at the ICR, said:
“We are so thankful to everyone who took part in Dave Day, from the thousands of bikers to the spectators who lined the streets. We couldn’t keep making life-changing discoveries without the incredible support of our donors and fundraisers. The money raised will help fund our world-leading research, which is improving the lives of people with cancer.”