MOTORBIKE riders braved the wet weather and turned out in force the annual Ride for Justice in memory of Ryan Passey.
The event, organised by John Hill of The Widders Pub in Cradley, raised more than ever for the continuing fight for justice for Ryan, aged 24, who was killed on a night out with friends in Stourbridge on August 6, 2017.
More than 60 motorcyclists took part in this year’s ride out from the pub to the Quatt Café in Bridgnorth and back on Saturday August 5 – the day before the sixth anniversary of Ryan’s tragic death.
Paying their respects on the outgoing journey - the riders paused in Stourbridge High Street, near the old Chicago’s bar where Ryan, from Quarry Bank, was fatally stabbed, with his family later returning to lay flowers at the scene of the tragedy.
After the ride there was entertainment laid on at The Widders Pub – with a total of £3,081 raised for the Justice for Ryan campaign which was founded after the man accused of killing Ryan was cleared of both murder and manslaughter in what was dubbed a ‘perverse verdict’ in early 2018.
On his Facebook page, landlord John Hill thanked all those who turned out in support of the campaign for Ryan and he said: “We made more money than ever.”
He said he was proud to be part of the event which was somewhat emotional as riders rested briefly in Stourbridge High Street and he said: “We don’t forget the people who helped this whole event happen. Thankyou all. Finally we won’t forget Ryan.”
Jason Connon, spokesperson for the Justice for Ryan campaign group, thanked all those who turned out for what he described as an “amazing” day.
He added: “We were really up against it but the turn out was fantastic. We were overwhelmed.
“It was awful weather on Saturday. The roads were flooded on the way to Bridgnorth but it didn’t deter them.”
He said it had been a bittersweet weekend for Ryan’s family, with Sunday marking six years since their lives changed forever, and he added: “It’s always a difficult time of year for Ryan’s parents. It’s never going to get any easier, especially when we’re still fighting for justice.
“I think seeing the support though and that people haven’t forgotten Ryan, and he’s still remembered, does help.”
Football clubs across the borough also remembered Ryan with a minute’s silence held ahead of the first games of the season which kicked off on Saturday.
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