Thousands of bikers have raised more than £18,000 in a ride of respect in memory of PC Andrew Harper who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year.

Nearly 5,000 riders and pillion passengers each paid a registration fee to take part. The money raised is to be split between PC Harper’s family and four charities.

PC Harper was killed while pursuing a group of suspected thieves. Three people have been charged with murder and conspiracy to steal a quadbike.

Motorcycle News reported that PC Harper’s wife, Lissie, led the riders on pillion behind her brother Jake. The riders completed a 15 mile route starting at RAF Benson and concluding at Abingdon Airfield in Oxfordshire.

The bikers were guided and assisted by volunteer marshals and crowds of people lined the route to cheer them on.

Motorcyclists and bikers don’t always get the best press so it is really pleasing to be able to report news of such a positive money raising event for a change.