FRIENDS of a much-loved late member of the Rhyl biking community visited Caernarfon’s Wales Air Ambulance base yesterday (July 2) to make a generous donation in his memory.

Ian Critchley died aged 56 on May 14, 2022 after suffering a heart attack at his home, and a memorial motorcycle ride took place on the first anniversary of his death.

That day, nearly 50 bikes embarked on an extensive route on North Wales, starting at Ann’s Kitchen in Mochdre, before riding through Gwynedd and into Ruthin and St Asaph.

More than £1,200 was raised at the memorial ride for the Wales Air Ambulance, who arrived on the scene after Ian’s heart attack.

The money was then passed on to the organisation in person at its Caernarfon airbase yesterday.

Rhyl Journal: The bikers at Wales Air Ambulance's Caernarfon base yesterday.The bikers at Wales Air Ambulance's Caernarfon base yesterday. (Image: Clive Senior)

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Simon Acton, a close friend of Ian with whom he helped set up the Kinmel Bay-based Unit 1 Motorcycle Club, told the Journal after the memorial ride: “I was a bit emotional.

“It was nice to see so many people turn out for it. He’s still remembered, which is nice.

“It’s not only me and my family who miss him; there are lot of people who do, which was obvious from the amount of people who turned up.

“We only charged £5 per bike for the ride, yet we ended up with more than £1,200 for a good cause.”

Ian grew up in Prestatyn, owned the FSABC School of Motoring based at Rhyl’s football ground, and formerly served in the Navy.

He also worked as a taxi driver, and was described as an avid Wrexham FC supporter.

A similar ride involving roughly 200 motorcyclists had also taken place on the day of his funeral last June.