The family of a young man killed by a drink driver are hosting a charity cycle ride in his memory.
Aiden Jones, from Stowmarket, was only 20 when he died in a head-on crash at Badley Hill on May 1, 2009.
Two years later, in 2011, his family set up AJ’s Legacy – a charity seeking to support vulnerable people in the Mid Suffolk area.
Now, nine years since Aiden’s death, his mother Jayne is hoping a charity bike ride will raise awareness of the cause, and bring happiness to people in need in Stowmarket and beyond.
She said helping others had given her family hope after Aiden’s death.
“We are not a big charity,” she said. “We want people to come forward so we can help a few more. I thought, this way we get to meet the people we help – it gives us something to focus on.”
The problem, Mrs Jones explains, is not the funding – but a lack of awareness.
“We have got a bit of money in the pot,” she said. “We need to raise our profile.”
The event will incorporate two races: one 40km and one 70km long.
All funds raised will go supporting local people who need a helping hand, and could be spent on gifts such as sensory equipment for special needs children or mobility aids.
“If you can’t afford to pay for the whole thing, we can pay a bit towards it,” Mrs Jones said.
“We had a young girl come to us to see if we can help with an electric wheelchair. She’s coming to hopefully present the medals on the day of the bike ride.”
Mrs Jones said she hoped the charity work could bring “something good out of something tragic”.
The cycle rides will be taking place on September 30, starting from The Gladstone Arms in Stowmarket at 9.15am.
Cyclists will then make their way back to the pub, where there will be a presentation of medals.
There also will be a live band, food and beer on offer.
Aiden was driving his own car when he was killed in a late night head-on crash by a drunk-driver on the B1113 between Needham Market and Stowmarket in 2009.
Nicholas Kemp, then 36, of Eastward Place, Stowmarket, was jailed for five-and-a-half years in January 2010 in connection with the crash.
People interested in taking part in the event should email barty466@yahoo.co.uk.
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