Ride from Essex to Newark Showground organised in memory of motorbike-loving triple-killing victim Grace O’Malley Kumar

Riders will make a 100-mile-plus journey to Newark this Sunday (May 19) in a bid to honour the memory of motorbike-loving Grace O’Malley Kumar.

Grace O’Malley Kumar was killed in Nottingham in June 2023 by Valdo Calocane — a shocking incident in which Barnaby Webber and Ian Coates also lost their lives.

The charity bike and car ride for Grace will leave North Weald Airfield in Essex at about 11am — ending up at Newark Showground.

Organised by David Merry, it will raise money for the Grace O’Malley Kumar Foundation, which was set up to fund causes the medical student supported and that embodied her values — as well as to keep her memory alive.

David has been friends with Grace’s family for nearly 20 years as he used to work with her dad Dr Sanjoy Kumar when he was a police doctor.

David is a serving Metropolitan police officer and Dr Kumar opened a covid vaccination centre in Waltham Forest — with David co-ordinating the operation.

“While I was there Grace would say to me that she felt safe with me being there on duty,” said David.

He added: ”I made a promise to Grace that no matter what time of day it was I would always be there for her, unfortunately on June 13, 2023 I failed her by not being there for her when this horrendous attack took place.”

Motorbikes and cars can take part in the ride.

North Weald Airfield gates will open at 8am, giving riders and pedestrians the opportunity to have refreshments available at the stalls.

At Newark Showground there will be refreshment stalls, motorbike stands, a stage with a DJ and a raffle during the event.

Some of the companies that contributed for the raffle prizes include Honda Motorbikes Nottingham, ITS Tools, Waltham Cross motorcycles, Bacons Kawasaki Romford, Honda Romford, Apex 66, J&S accessories and Essex Allure beauty and tanning.

“Grace had a special connection with motorbikes, particularly her beloved Vespa. Let's come together as a biking community to make this day truly special for her family and to ensure that Grace's memory lives on in a way that would make her proud,” added David.

Grace was a dedicated medical student and a member of the England Hockey team.

Entry time on the premises is from noon and onlookers pay £5 (free for children under 16 and adults over 65).

To take part in the ride of remembrance itself and support the cause, you need to pay an entrance fee of £10 per bike or £15 if riding with a passenger. The same rules apply to car drivers and its passengers.

Other riders and drivers from across the country can join the ride from distant locations, including a meeting point at Peterborough Services — the junction with the A1(M) and A605 — at about 1pm.

The last route is recommended for learner riders who wish to take part.

David said: “I just want the day to be a huge success for Grace’s family and raise as much money for the foundation set up in Grace’s name.

“The type of lady Grace was, she would have been the first to help and contribute towards this type of event and try to support anyone, where she could.”

People who wish to buy a ticket for the event or sign as a rider can do so at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/grace-omalley-kumar-foundation.

Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes will be unveiling one of its motorbikes in Grace’s name at Newark Showground. Grace’s parents and her brother will also be attending the event to show their appreciation to all the participants and supporters of the cause.

Vertu Honda Nottingham is the event's main sponsor at the Newark showground.

Some of the raffle prizes include: Vertu Honda car hire services; ITS Tools £500 worth of tools; Waltham Cross motorcycles £250 alpine motorbike jacket; Bacons East Bacons east London Kawasaki £200 pound shop voucher; Essex industrial services Thurrock £200-pound socket set; Apex 66; J&S accessories Nottingham donated a £50 pound shop voucher; Essex Allure beauty and tanning Sunbed voucher from Essex allure half an hour sunbed session; RTS roofing supplies Walthamstow donated £200 pound and Bloomin Lovely Garden Chingford donated £100 pound.