A MOTORBIKING grandmother is taking her ‘muvva of all bikers’ nickname to heart - by arranging a mass ride on Mothers’ Day.

Grandmother-of-eight Julia Stevenson, of Coopers Close, South Darenth, will take part in the Ride of Respect for the charity Afghan Heroes, set up by seven grieving mothers who lost their sons within a two day period in 2009.

The Mothering Sunday ride, on April 3, will see 10,000 bikes parade slowly through Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire from 10am.

The ride, the second to be arranged by Ms Stevenson in two years, will be the last of its kind to troupe through the town as the nearby RAF Lyneham base is set to close.

Ms Stevenson, who rides a Harley Davidson, said: “We want to let our troops know that we support them and to let all of those mothers who have lost their sons or daughters know that they are never going to be forgotten.”

Mother-of-two Ms Stevenson, who was a member of the Women’s Royal Army Corps until 1966, added: “We want to help those service men and women who have served their country for us. We’ve got to look after our troops.”

A regional ride in Kent has also been organised to coincide with the event, with bikers meeting at the Blue Chalet Industrial Park, West Kingsdown from 8.30am on April 3.

A minimum £5 donation is suggested with all money going to Afghan Heroes, which provides home comforts for British troops in hospital and offers support for the families of injured and fallen soldiers.

For more information, visit rideofrespect.co.uk/RegionalRides.html.