Biking community pulls together to support 21-year-old's last wishes

After being placed on end-of-life care, Caitlin Shaw, from Northwich, started putting together a bucket list, which included riding on a motorbike.

She was born with a severe heart condition called aorta stenosis (heart valve disease) and regurgitation of the mitral valve and leaky valves, plus only one working lung.

She has been through multiple surgeries and developed other conditions, and her family recently set up a fundraising page to grant some of Caitlin’s wishes while she is well enough.

This can be viewed via gofundme.com/f/caitlins-wishes

And to help cross off another experience, the 1000cc Motorbike Club and Caitlin’s stepdad’s veteran friends came together so she could ride on the back of a trike in a convoy of motorbikes and scooters.

And word soon got out to the wider biking community – in Northwich and across the UK.

Hundreds of people turned up (Image: Supplied)

Mum Sam MacVicar said: “I turned up at J&S Superstore in Oakmere (where the ride out was setting off from) expecting about 50 bikers, but there were hundreds; the whole of the car park was full of bikers ready to greet Caitlin to take her to Ponderosa on her ride.

“The support was overwhelming and very emotional, it was something I had never seen before, the atmosphere was amazing, everybody wanted to make it a fun day for our daughter.”

Stepdad Mac rode alongside Caitlin on the back of one of his close army friend’s bikes.

Caitlin was even presented with her very own helmet with her favourite Disney characters printed on it; Lilo and Stitch.

It included the words: "Embrace the wind Caitlin, keep smiling through every mile, you inspire us all.”

A rider also gave Caitlin a watch that he was wearing when he had a crash, which had the scratch marks still imprinted.

Caitlin enjoyed her day (Image: Supplied)

She was given her very own hoodie and caps and a spa day for the family, by Kaz Brittle and Andy Stoker of the 1000cc Club.

Sam added: “I spoke to bikers that had come from London, Birmingham, Wales, Scotland, Manchester, Warrington, and fair few familiar faces from Northwich who just simply said that they were there to make the day special for Caitlin and how it was honour to ride along with Caitlin to fulfil her wish. 

“We'd like to thank everyone involved and who took part, we are still shocked by how many turned out for our daughter who loved every minute.”

In May, another of Caitlin’s wishes was granted when she was able to go on a cruise to the Mediterranean and made it to Spain to paddle in the sea.

The family is leaving her fundraising page open to raise further funds to complete her bucket list.

Ruth Bailey, a family friend, is also looking for sponsors for her wing-walk which is taking place on the June 16, and these can also be made via the page.