Shropshire Star

Dream realised by Harley fan Brandon

[gallery] Ever since he was young he has dreamed of the day he would ride on the back of a Harley-Davidson – and yesterday terminally ill Brandon Carter's wish came true.

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Brandon took his place on a Harley as part of a convoy of about 240 riders from his home in Halesowen to The Food Stop Cafe in Quatford, near Bridgnorth, yesterday morning.

Traffic came to a standstill as the 26-year-old, who has terminal cancer of the lungs, passed through Bridgnorth on the way to the cafe, where he was greeted by several more bikers and supporters and was treated to a biker's breakfast.

Mr Carter said it had always been a dream of his to ride a Harley – and said the experience had been "everything I hoped it would be". He added he was "overwhelmed" by the number of people who turned out to support him.

Speaking at the event, he said: "I am absolutely amazed at how many people are here. It's a popular spot for bikers but I've been told there have never been so many people here so it's just incredible.

"It's not just bikers, lots of my friends have followed in their cars. It's just amazing support.

"There are quite a few people here from jobs I've done in the past and from Jaguar in Birmingham so they have travelled really far.

"It seems people from all over the Midlands are here. I'm just amazed at what I have seen. I was at the front and to look back and see all those people and all those bikes is incredible.

"Since I was a kid I've wanted to go on a Harley. It was brilliant, everything I hoped it would be."

Rob Arrowsmith, from Telford, was one of the riders to take part. He said: "The biking community across the Midlands is a close-knit group and when we heard about Brandon and what he wanted to do people wanted to help.

"It all started on social media. Bridgnorth bikers organised it all and they had about 20 people but from there it has gone astronomical. Everyone wanted to be involved.

"I've never seen so many bikers here. I know 240 bikers travelled from Halesowen to the cafe and there were lots more waiting there."

Friends of Brandon took to a Facebook page called Dream Ride to say how well the event went. Karl Hegarty said: "I would just like to thank everyone that turned up today for Brandon. It was very well marshalled and a lot of fun. I can't believe the turn out."

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