Dave Day bikers’ tribute ride for Dave Myers raises £127K for charity

A huge bikers’ procession in honour of late ‘Hairy Biker’ and long-time Planet Rock presenter Dave Myers has raised more than £127,000 for charity.

More than 20,000 bikers took part in an event that saw them ride from London to Dave's home town of Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, in June .

Thousands more onlookers and well-wishers were in Barrow to celebrate the event known as Dave Day, which also featured a concert headlined by Massive Wagons.

Planet Rock presenter Mark Jeeves took part in the entire ride from London to Barrow, and gave updates throughout the day on air and on social media.

The original expectations were for around 5,000 bikers to get involved, raising £5,000 for charity.

Dave’s Hairy Bikers partner Si King, who led the procession on the day, said: "Thank you, it's a remarkable figure that's gone to charity.

"And you guys have done that - thank you, thank you, thank you, Dave would be so enormously proud of you, you're a good bunch."

Dave’s wife Lili added: "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity.

"And we can't forget that the two charities that are doing so much amazing work, they are benefitting and so many lives are going to be helped by this amount, thank you."

Watch: Dave Day - Thanks from Si and Lili

The event raised a total of £127,318.62, which is being divided between the NSPCC and the Institute of Cancer Research.

NSPCC chief executive Sir Peter Wanless thanked fundraisers, adding: "Events like this play an essential part in raising the vital funds we need to keep our services going for all the children and young people who need our help."

A spokesperson for the Institute of Cancer Research said: "We feel so honoured to have been chosen as one of the beneficiaries - the money raised will support our research to make the discoveries that defeat cancer and help save more lives."

Gallery: Dave Day ride in pictures

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.

• dave myers