Tom Pattison motocross death: Tribute ride at Blythburgh draws crowds

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-34297078

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A tribute to a 23-year-old motocross rider who died last weekend has drawn 400 people to his favourite track.

Tom Pattison, from Beccles, Suffolk, was killed during a race at Blaxhall. He leaves a wife and daughter.

About 170 bikers took to the practice track at Blythburgh, near Southwold, for the memorial ride.

Pattison's mother-in-law Janice Boydell said messages had been sent from across the world and the support was "amazing".

A minute's silence was held to remember the rider before a round of applause.

A parade lap by all the riders followed later and all those taking part started by revving their engines at his family's request.

Pattison's rider number 183 was displayed on many of the bikes and across the track.

Shaun Southgate, Pattison's friend and fellow motocross rider, said: "We got it organised with the family and a few friends and it's just taken off on social media, newspapers and TV.

"A fundraising target of £500 was set up for his family on Wednesday and we smashed that within four or five hours.

"Blythburgh was Tom's local track and that's where he was most Sundays when he was out on his bike.

"We did a lot together and it just hasn't sunk in just yet."

The crash happened at the Eastern Centre Championship event at Blaxhall.

Woodbridge & District Motor Cycle Club, which runs the circuit, and motocross's governing body, the Auto Cycle Union, were investigating how the crash happened.

Suffolk Police said there were no suspicious circumstances, although they were appealing for witnesses.