A SCOOTER club’s ‘ride out’ has raised £636 to support the family of tragic teenager Thomas Channon, who died in Magaluf.

Mr Channon, from Rhoose, fell to his death in July this year while celebrating the end of his A-levels with friends.

Barry-based The Distant Echo scooter club heard about the incident through a family friend, Paul Davenport.

The ride out, supporting the Tom Channon Memorial Fund, took the riders from Barry to Porthcawl.

Mr Davenport said: “After a 9am meet up and start at the Tynewydd Inn, landlord Stuart Giggs provided the members a hearty breakfast ahead of the club riding off to various meeting points to their destination of Porthcawl.

“Stuart had also organised a raffle to kick-off the days donations with each member also contributing £5 each for the Tom Channon fundraising ride out.

“First stop was the excellent Butterfly Collector bar on Holton Road, where already the proprietor Gareth Slater had organised another raffle ahead of the ride out.

“Then the club continued on their way, making stops to gather other riders and some from other clubs at St Athan, Llantwit Major, Wick, Southerndown, Ogmore and onto Porthcawl.

“Louise Davenport and Justine were on duty for bucket collections along the prom and popping into generous business who all made even more donations.

“After the club re-charged on fish and chips and refreshments plus lots of photos and videos, it was time to leave Porthcawl and ride back to the Channons’ house for a meeting and group photo.

“A glorious roar of Italian engines revving preceded the club as they arrived into Rhoose and it was and it was an incredible sight to see 50 scooters and their sharply dressed riders parking their glinting machines outside the Channons’ house for more photos and videos.

“The look on John and Ceri’s face in the sidecar photo really says how much it meant to them.

“In addition to the Scooter Clubs’ donations, the Tynewydd Inn and Butterfly Collector donations plus the tireless bucket collectors efforts, their smiles were absolutely priceless.

“The Channon family cannot say how much they thank everyone involved on the day – it has meant so much to the Channons as a gesture.

“Well done to Mark Hillberg for all of his hard work in arranging the ride out.

“With the scooter club’s donations, plus Tynewydd Inn, Butterfly Collectors and the Bucket Brigade Babes contributions a total of £636 was made on the day.”

Another fundraising event will be held at the Tywnewydd pub, in Barry, on Saturday.

An Elvis Night at Rhoose Social Club will also take place on Friday October 26, with tickets on sale at the Premier Foods shop, in Rhoose.

Tom Channon Memorial Fund donations can be made via https://bit.ly/2xDeDBc.