Former bootnecks bike into Chivenor as part of 1,600 mile ride for mental health

Four former Royal Marines have called in at RMB Chivenor as part of a 1,664 motorcycle ride to prevent the tragic rise in the number of former and serving brothers taking their own lives.

The Brotherhood Ride has seen the quartet of TV adventurer Aldo Kane, Paul White, Al Chambers and Billy Perham take turns to ride a custom Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 motorcycle to every Royal Marines unit in the UK.

They were at Chivenor on Tuesday (September 16) as part of their journey to raise awareness of the number of comrades who have taken their own lives – a number that is sadly rising.

Above: The Brotherhood Ride quartet with their Bootneck II motorcycle and personnel at RMB Chivenor. Credit: Cpl Jordan Macefield/RMA

This year has seen a tragic rise in the number of former or serving Royal Marines taking their own lives; 2024 also saw a rise in the number of suicides within the Corps.

The ride began at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone and culminated at the Tower of London on Saturday (September 20) in the presence of the Yeoman Warders, following a visit to the final unit, the Royal Marines Reserve City of London.

The expedition is part of RMA -The Royal Marines Charity’s suicide prevention campaign, ‘Lifting the Lid’ and is also raising funds for the cause. The number of miles on the bike’s clock will represent the founding year of the Royal Marines in 1664.

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At each unit the team handed over a wellbeing pack and a plaque.

Aldo, 47, from Bristol, said: “Too many Royal Marines are suffering in silence and we want to get the message out loud and clear that no one needs to suffer in silence – there is help out there.

“No one should be too proud to speak up and ask for help. Asking for help isn’t weak – it could be the strongest thing you ever do. We hope this message resonates with everyone, whether you’re part of the Armed Forces or a civilian.”

After the ride the ‘Bootneck II’ motorcycle, will be returned to the Guildhall in the City where it began life at the charity’s major fundraiser of the year, the Guildhall Dinner.

The bike was originally donated by former Royal Marine Mark Talbot, auctioned off and then donated back to the charity. Mark and Al hatched the plan for the Brotherhood Ride.

The bike will be auctioned again, along with a helmet signed by each unit’s Commanding Officer, at the next charity dinner on Thursday, November 13.

The fundraising target including the re-auction of the motorbike, is £80,000.

Above: At each Royal Marines unit the riders handed over a plaque. Credit: Cpl Jordan Macefield/RMA

Speaking before the journey, Aldo added: “The ride is about breaking down stigma, speaking openly, and ‘lifting the lid’ on mental health.

“It’s about honouring those we’ve lost and standing beside those still fighting – physically or mentally – long after they’ve left the front line.

“By the time it gets back to the Guildhall it won’t just be a bike, it will carry stories, the strength and the spirit of the Royal Marine Commandos.”

If you wish to make a donation to the Lifting the Lid campaign, you can do so HERE

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