MORE than 300 motorbikes took to the roads yesterday to raise money for the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation. It is hoped that a second caravan will soon be bought for use by children with cancer or leukaemia.

Oakley, the son of former Portsmouth and Oxford United professional footballer Dave, died of a rare form of cancer on 17 August 2005, aged six.

His parents were unable to travel to Guernsey yesterday as his mother, Lorraine, was due to give birth, but they followed the proceedings by telephone.

‘It helps us so much in the bereavement part of things to see so many people putting themselves out,’ said his father.

‘To get such a large number of people after three years is fantastic and it’s a great comfort to us.’

The sun came out on cue shortly before the riders left the Frossard House car park for their round-the-island spin.

‘Oakley was such a bubbly boy and if he is up there looking down, I’m sure he will have arranged the weather because he wouldn’t want to see people getting wet,’ said Mr Waterman.

The family were very grateful to the Full-Boar Motorcycle Club for organising the event for the third time.

Founder member and secretary Shane Rosamund said the idea was entirely appropriate.

‘I like supporting children’s charities and this one’s local connection makes it even more poignant,’ he said.

All types of machine were in use, from the largest motorcycles to the smallest scooters, and a police rider led the pack.

Participants were invited to put money in buckets on arrival at the car park ahead of the 2pm start.

Oakley’s parents were pillion passengers last year and they were disappointed to have missed it yesterday.

His sister, Shannon Wallace, 17, did take to the road on her Aprilia Spider-man scooter with cousin Paris Pereira, 11, on the back.

‘The first time was such a big event that I felt it would become a regular thing,’ she said. ‘It’s an emotional ride but at the same time a happy one.’