A FALKLANDS War memorial motorbike ride will be visiting the memorial of a fallen Bolton sailor.

Royal Navy steward John Stroud, who died on the HMS Glamorgan in 1982 aged just 20, was buried at sea, and has a memorial at Christ Church Walmsley in Egerton. 

John is survived by his wife Jean Stroud-Mort, who will be in attendance, as well as son John-Paul Stroud, who was eight-months-old when his father was killed.

Mrs Stroud-Mort said: “It’s to make sure they are not forgotten. People do forget. It’s 40 years ago. It’s hard every year but it’s especially difficult this year. I’m finding it really hard with it being 40 years.”

She added: “This is something different I’d never heard of it before they contacted me. It means a lot to me because it means people aren’t going to forget.

“People are still grieving. It’s happened and people are never going to forget.”

The Airborne Forces Riders are riding between the graves of all those killed in the war to pay respects and keep memories alive to mark 40 years since the conflict.

Riders are due to arrive at the church before 11am today, when the Rev Carol Hayden will say a few words.

The fourth edition of the ride, after successful versions in the previous three years, takes place throughout the country. It started on May 2 in Lanchester, County Durham, and ends on May 15 in Thornaby.

The group includes Falklands veterans Paul Moore and Charlie McColgan, as well as Phill Damant and Tony McKie, It will visit 80 graves and clock up 2,600 miles over the 14 days.

“Our ride is to promote remembrance, respect, awareness and support,” they said in a statement.

Mrs Stroud-Mort has helped to organise for some other Falklands veterans to join in the memorial, and as well as a bugle player to play at the ceremony.

There will also be a Falklands 40th anniversary flag unveiled alongside a Union Jack, and Mrs Stroud-Mort will lay a wreath of blue and white roses on John’s memorial.

After the riders have left there will be tea and biscuits in the church and a chance for people to stay and chat.

The Ride of Respect is also raising money for the South Atlantic Medal Association an organisation that supports veterans of the Falklands conflict.