The grieving family of a young Hartland man who died unexpectedly decided that the show must go on in his memory. 

Members of the Luckett family, from Hartland, have been running motorbike trials for 12 years.  But in July Martyn Luckett (left), 19, died suddenly.  The family was torn about whether to carry on the tradition – but eventually they did and raised lots for charity in his memory. 

The family runs a bed and breakfast for motorbike enthusiasts at Lower Wembsworthy Farm and hosts an annual motorcycle trial.  Martyn was a star rider and took to biking aged four and went on to represent the South West in bike trials.  But while staying with his sister Charlotte in Swindon, Martin died suddenly from myocarditis, after a virus attacked his heart. 

The death has devastated the family but because of Martyn’s deep involvement in the sport, the family decided to use the event to raise funds for two causes – and the motorcycle trial went ahead. 

Each year the event attracts around 70 enthusiasts from as young as six and is run by the Lucketts – dad John, mum Brenda and children Charlotte, Nick and, of course until this year, Martyn.  They offer intense instruction and then round the event off with a meal and social get-together. 

However this year’s event, the 13^th annual trial, was due just five weeks after Martyn’s death. 

Mum Brenda said: “We had to make a tough decision whether to run a motorcycle school or not but because we are all deeply involved in the sport and so was Martyn, who had the qualifications to become a trainer, we decided to carry on.” 

The family held the event in Hartland in August and 63 bikers came along.  After a poignant minute’s silence in memory of Martyn – who took part in a trial with Torridge District Motor Club just 12 days before his death – the two-day riding festival began.  As tradition dictates the event was crowned with a barbecue and performance by ban, the Whisky Thieves. 

And now the money raised has gone to worthy causes.  £1,000 went to Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and £800 to CLIC, previously their chosen charity. 

Brenda said: “For obvious reasons money has been given to both charities but CRY will be our chosen charity from now on.” 

The money was given to representatives from both charities at the Cedars, Barnstaple and on hand from CRY were Paul and Christine Collyer from Parkham.  Their 20-year-old daughter Gemma died from a similar condition to Martyn in 2002 and Brenda said: “It was quite emotional but they were very pleased and proud.”