HUNDREDS of motorbikers are preparing to finish their friend’s last journey from Carlisle to Pooley Bridge, which Noel Daley never completed.

Mr Daley had finished work early on April 13 in 2007, a beautiful day when the sun was out.

The 37-year-old electrician, from Dalston Road in Carlisle, decided to make the most of his early finish and set off to Pooley Bridge to see some friends.

But on the Eamont Bridge to Tirril road, near Penrith, Mr Daley was killed when his bike was involved in a collision with a tractor.

A year after his death, Mr Daley’s friends decided they wanted to complete the journey he never did and raise awareness of bikers on the road. 

Mr Daley’s sister Helen Hughes said: “I thought after a couple of years I’d understand if people’s enthusiasm wanes, but is hasn’t at all. 

"What’s good is the last couple of years there’s people who have turned up who didn’t even know Noel – but they know what it’s about. It’s wonderful.”


Noel Daley Leviathan MCC organises the run and last year over 200 bikers took part in the 60-mile round trip.

The group wants drivers on the roads to ‘think bike’ as injuries to motorcyclists are out of proportion to their presence on the roads: motorcyclists are just one per cent of total road traffic but account for 19 per cent of all road user deaths according to government statistics.

Last year’s run also raised a total of £3,000 which was used to buy Danny Ewin, 20, a state-of-the-art wheelchair to play basketball in. 

Mr Ewin, who lives in High Hesket, was left paralysed after a motorbike crash three years ago. He was 16 at the time and had only had his bike licence for five weeks when he was involved in a collision with a car between Culgaith and Langwathby.

But Mr Ewin has not let his paralysis hold him back. He joined Cumbria Wheelchair Sports Club and now plays on their basketball’s first team.

He said of the new wheelchair: “It’s made me lots better. I’m a lot faster in it. I have got a lot more balance too and it’s definitely made a big difference.”


Danny Ewin Last year Mr Ewin rode on the back of his gran Gail Ewin’s Honda Goldwing in the memorial run. He said: “It was great. It was amazing being back in the fresh air.”

This year’s memorial run, on Saturday, April 16, is also raising money for the Cumbria Wheelchair Sports Club.

Mrs Hughes said: “We’re just so chuffed because the money is staying in a small club really local.”

Bikers will meet at 11.30am at Club Rock, English Gate Plaza car park off Cecil Street and then set off for Pooley Bridge at 12.30pm.