Annual Biker Event Raises Funds for KEMP Hospice

An army of men on Monkey Bikes is not something that you might expect to see in Stourport high street on a rainy Friday morning, but on Friday 18th August 2023, shoppers were treated just that, as The Chunky Monkeys headed out to Aberystwyth to raise funds for KEMP Hospice in memory of Alec Dorrell.

Over the last eleven years, the bunch of motorcycle enthusiasts, headed by local man Andy Evans, have made the same journey to Wales on their classic Monkey Bikes, raising funds for numerous charities in the Wyre Forest along the way. This year they chose to support KEMP Hospice in honour of Alec, who was something of a legend in both Stourport and the motorcycling world.

The team raised over £1,000 a wonderful accolade for the much-loved motorcycle shop owner.

Raising funds for kemp hospice in memory of a much loved motorcycle man

Alec’s son Steve Dorrell said: “My dad was affectionately known as Acker. He owned his beloved motorcycle shop in Stourport from 1974 until May last year. It became a meeting place for enthusiasts all over the country and everyone loved dad for his traditional, hands-on approach. He lived and breathed motorcycles and it was more of a way of life for him than a job. Everyone was devastated when he passed away and hundreds attended his funeral on their bikes – it was an incredibly touching tribute.

Dad and I had already done a ride for KEMP in the past, racing at Red Marley Hill Climb in 2004 and so I approached Andy about doing the Annual Chunky Monkey event for the hospice. The lads agreed it would be a great way to remember Dad and do something for a local charity”.

Annual monkey bike ride out from Stourport to Aberystwyth

Steve continues “Every year the locals love to see us out on the road – I suppose 30 grown men on the little bikes is quite a spectacle! We all had matching purple hoodies made, by local Stourport printer Andy Bird at Delta Print, so we stand out even more! Everyone is really friendly and keen to support us”.

“We had a great time, despite the weather and we are so grateful to all who donated. We just want to especially thank Eagles Inn at Rhayader, The Four Seasons in Aberystwyth, The Severns Club in Stourport and Justin Gray and his company Concept Furniture International who provide the support vans. Without them all we wouldn’t be able to do the trip.”

Vicki Wootton-Champion, KEMP Hospice Fundraiser said “We are so grateful to everyone who took part and donated as part of The Chunky Monkeys annual ride. It’s such a wonderful amount to have been raised that will go a long way to supporting KEMP Hospice. Alec, or Ackers, was clearly a much-loved local man and we are honoured to have been the chosen charity for the 2023 event.” 

A Much Loved page has been created in Alec/Ackers memory. For those who wish to visit to pay tribute or to donate to KEMP, the page can be found by clicking here.