A SCOOTER fan had his wish come true when he led a convoy of vehicles which visited his care home.

Ian Douglas, known as Rusty, was joined by more than 150 riders who rode from the JobServe Community Stadium to Foxburrow Grange care home in Ypres Road, Colchester, where he lives.

In a wheelchair accessible scooter taxi, the 55-year-old was leader of the pack to the Leather Bottle pub two miles away for a fundraising afternoon of music and food.

It was organised by Ian’s long-time friend Mark Dalziel and the care home, ending with a successful ride-along which raised more than £850 as a thank you to Foxburrow Grange.

Gazette:

Mark Dalziel (left) with close pal Ian Douglas

He said: “Ian is being given palliative care for a brain tumour he’s been struggling with and it’s been a terrible time for the family and friends.

“What makes it even sadder is Ian’s wife was also diagnosed with exactly the same brain tumour two years ago.

“The family have been through a lot so we thought it would be really nice to give the family something else to focus on, something positive and to lift their spirits.”

Riders travelled from London, Suffolk and wider Essex for the convoy.

Ian was blown away and wore a grin on his face almost all day, among the Lambrettas, Vespas, old, new, customised and modified scooters, Mark said.

He added: “It was a special day but also an emotional day.

“I’ve known Ian for years, he’s been a good friend of mine. He helped me when I was down and we became good friends.

“He’s a family man and a really kind-hearted gentleman.”

A second ride-out is being arranged in a month’s time but this time with a trike, which can take either a wheelchair or a sidecar.

Mark has turned to social media again in the hope someone has a trike or sidecar available to make this wish come true for Ian and St Helena Hospice, where he has also been cared for.

Margaret Brodie, activities co-ordinator at the home, who worked closely with everyone involved, said: “It was a brilliant day and there was not a dry eye in the house.

“It is our pleasure to care for Ian and to also support his wonderful family and friends who went to such lengths to make this an event he will not forget.

“We would also like to say thank you so much for the kind donations which we are planning to spend on our sensory walk.”

If you can help, contact Mark at markmangled@googlemail.com.