Hundreds of bikers in parade tribute to tragic Jade Clark

Riders and club members from along the south coast including Southampton, Gosport and Portsmouth as well as Bournemouth, Poole and Ringwood, will meet in the town as a mark of respect to the 16-year-old scooter rider who died following a multi-vehicle collision on the A31 on Sunday, February 24.

A memorial event is being held at Carvers Recreation Ground in Ringwood at 6pm on Saturday for family and friends, with 50 balloons being released by those closest to the youngster.

A collection is also being arranged with proceeds going to a charity chosen by Jade’s family.

Colin McDonald from the Newtown Cons Scooter Club said their members just wanted to show their respect.

He said: “We’re just going to park up at the car park in Ringwood after the ride and some of us will attend the memorial at Carvers as well.

“We will be making donations to a collection, which will go to a charity chosen by Jade’s family.

“There will be clubs from Southampton, Ringwood as well as a number of bike clubs.

“There could be a police escort for us due to the growing numbers and the Motorcycle Action Group are also involved. People are coming from all over to pay their respects.

He added: “It is amazing how many people this has affected. Such a young girl; it’s so tragic and our hearts go out to the family.”

Police are still hunting for the driver of a Volvo XC90 who left the scene of the collision on the westbound carriageway before police arrived that evening.

A £5,000 reward has been offered by Crimestoppers and Ringwood-based company Churchill Retirement Living for information leading to the arrest and charge of an offender.

Jade’s family – mum Sharon, step-father Daniel, dad Billy Herald and grandmother Linda Pidgley – have also made an emotional appeal for the driver to come forward.

Police say they cannot sure about the colour of the Volvo XC90 but appeal to anyone who sees one with damage to the front to contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident 24:993