Big biker turnout in tribute to Oakley, 6

NEARLY 400 bikers took to the roads yesterday in memory of Oakley Waterman and to raise money for his foundation. The six-year-old son of former professional footballer Dave died on Wednesday after a brave battle against cancer.

But the planned charity motorcycle spin in aid of the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation went ahead as scheduled and raised more than '3,500.

'His death has given added poignancy to the event,' said John Waterman junior, cousin of Oakley's dad.

'It's absolutely incredible.'

He revealed that Oakley's parents, Dave and Lorraine, had intended to come to the start to support the event, but on seeing the number of people, had found it overwhelming.

'We didn't expect anything like this,' said John.

Oakley first visited the Church Farm Holiday Park, in Pagham, Chichester, for respite and as a treat through UK children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent, which had a static caravan at the start of the ride.

He enjoyed the experience so much that he wanted one of his own. Thanks to donations, the family was able to put down a deposit on one and pay for a few months' financing.

Oakley did, however, have the chance to stay in it before he returned to Guernsey.

But the family was unable to buy the caravan outright, so they set up a foundation to raise the '45,000 needed to purchase, upgrade and maintain it.

Before yesterday's spin, around '30,000 had already been collected.

The charity spin was the brainchild of the Full-Boar Motorcycle Club's Shane Rosamond, who works with John.

'We all enjoy riding our bikes, so this was a way of doing something we enjoy but for a good cause,' said Mr Rosamond.

Setting off from Sir Charles Frossard House at 2.30pm, the bikers headed north and around the coast to Vazon, where there was a pit stop for refreshments before heading back around the south of the island.

'With us riding around, hopefully the sound and sight will raise awareness of the foundation,' said Mr Rosamond.

Fellow organiser Phil Page was delighted by the turnout.

'This is outstanding. It just shows the spirit of the community in the Guernsey biker scene. We're so lucky to have it,' he said.

Each rider donated money, as did many other members of the public, and donated refreshments were also sold.

Of the total raised, there was a '1,000 cheque and '77 in cash from trust company Saffery Champness.

Employee Stephanie Van Katwyk said that every year the company held a staff fun day, but this time they passed up the opportunity and asked for the money to be put into the firm's charitable foundation, which decided to give the money to the caravan appeal.

For more information about the trust or to donate or raise money, islanders can contact John at the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation, Jardin des Reves, La Ruette des Corneilles, Cobo, Castel, GY5 7PP, on 255629 or 07781 155629 or by email: john.waterman@amalgamatedfm.com

*'Oakley's funeral was being held today at the Vale Church. It started at 10am and was being followed by a private cremation.

The family asked people not to wear black but bright and casual clothing.

The funeral was due to include pop music and video images.