Lizzie’s Memorial Bike Run: hundreds of bikers unite in memory of little Lizzie and support of Every Life Counts

On July 12th, families, friends and members of the public gathered in Dungarvan in support of Lizzie’s Memorial Bike Run, a heartfelt event held in memory of Lizzie, a young girl whose life continues to inspire kindness and compassion.

The event was also supported by Black Sheep MCC, a motorcycle club, who marshalled the roundabouts and helped ensure that the event ran safely, allowing hundreds of bikers to ride together in Lizzie’s memory.

As well as creating a moving display of solidarity with all parents who have experienced the indescribable pain after the loss of a child, the event helped to raise funds for Every Life Counts — the essential organisation that supported Lizzie’s family following the untimely death of their precious daughter.

In a statement the bikers said they were uniting in memory of little Lizzie to support Every Life Counts:

Families, friends and bikers from across the region came together on Sunday for Lizzie's Memorial Bike Run, a heartfelt event held in memory of a beautiful little girl whose life continues to inspire kindness and compassion.

The memorial run was organised by Lizzie's mum, Mary, her dad Nathan and her nanny Lisa, they worked tirelessly to bring the day together. 

Nathan also arranged for his bike club, Black Sheep MCC Dungarvan, to marshal the roundabouts and help ensure the event ran safely, allowing hundreds of bikers to ride together in Lizzie's memory.

There was an incredible turnout, with motorcyclists gathering before setting off to celebrate Lizzie's life while raising funds for Every Life Counts, the organisation that supported Lizzie's family following the heartbreaking loss of their daughter.

 From early in the morning, motorcycles of every shape and size gathered in Dungarvan, creating an unforgettable display of solidarity before embarking on the memorial ride. The atmosphere was one of remembrance, friendship and community spirit, with many riders travelling from across the region to be part of something truly special.

For Mary and her family, the event was about much more than fundraising. Having experienced first-hand the support provided by Every Life Counts during the darkest time of their lives, they wanted to give something back so that other families facing the loss of a child would know they are not alone and can receive the same compassionate support.

Representatives from Every Life Counts attended the event and were deeply moved by the incredible support shown by the biking community and everyone who took part.

Vicky Wall from Every Life Counts said:

"It was an absolute privilege to stand alongside Lizzie's family and witness the incredible love that surrounded them. The support shown by Black Sheep MCC Dungarvan, every biker who took part, and everyone who donated or volunteered was simply amazing.

Every Life Counts exists because no family should have to face the loss of a child alone. The generosity shown at this event will help us continue to provide practical and emotional support to families across Ireland during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Lizzie's memory will continue to touch the lives of other families, and that is a truly beautiful legacy."

The event was a testament not only to the strength of one family but also to the compassion of an entire community. Riders proudly wore Lizzie's memorial badges, families lined the route to cheer them on, and countless volunteers gave their time to make the day possible.

More than just a fundraiser, the memorial bike run was a celebration of a little girl whose life continues to inspire generosity, togetherness and hope. As engines started and riders set off together, there was a shared sense that every mile travelled was in honour of Lizzie and in support of families walking a path that no parent ever expects to take.

While the final fundraising total is still being counted, organisers have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness shown by everyone who attended, volunteered and donated.

Every Life Counts extends its heartfelt thanks to Lizzie's family, the organising committee, Black Sheep MCC Dungarvan, the biking community and every individual who helped make the day such a memorable success.

Because of one little girl named Lizzie, more families will receive the support, understanding and hope they need when they need it most.

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Photography credit: Michelle Moroney