A Kent biker is organising a ride of respect to mark the anniversary of soldier Lee Rigby’s murder.

Grandmother of eight Julia Stevenson, from South Darenth, is hoping thousands of motorcyclists will come together to pay their respects to the drummer on Thursday, May 22.

She said: “The plan is to meet at Oakdene Cafe, in London Road, Wrotham, at 9am.

“We will then ride to Blackheath Tea Hut for 10.30am, where we will meet up with bikers from all over the country and then go to Woolwich Barracks for a wreath-laying ceremony and a two-minute silence.

“We will be coming together to pay respects to him, his regiment and his family because the whole nation was shocked at this barbaric, appalling murder.

“It was such a despicable, evil act on our streets that will never be forgotten. This is a ride of respect.”

Ms Stevenson said that on the day military flag-bearing bikes would ride at the front, followed by serving and ex-serving personnel and with other bikers at the back.

She said: “We have decided to do it on the actual day rather than the weekend as we don’t want to disrupt traffic.”

For those who are unable to take part, but want to contribute, wristbands are being sold at £2 to raise money for the Bereaved Families Support Group, part of SSAFA, a charity that provides lifelong support for forces personnel and their families.

Ms Stevenson said: “I have spoken with Lee Rigby’s mother Lyn and asked her who helped her the most, and she said it was SSAFA and the Royal British Legion, so we will be raising money for the Bereaved Families Support Group.

“We want the whole nation to come out in support and remember this day. Lyn said it was a wonderful idea.” In November, Ms Stevenson organised a ride around the M25 on Remembrance Sunday to create a ring of red, just like a poppy.

To buy wristbands visit www.ringofred.com/lee-rigby-memorial-ride

Learn more by searching ‘Lee Rigby Memorial Ride to Woolwich’ on Facebook