CORNISH bikers are gearing up to take part in a memorial ride to remember local boy Jozef Stasiak on Saturday, December 7, while raising money for two charities.

A memorial ride will start at midday from Carnon Downs Campsite, making its way to Ships and Castles car park in Falmouth. Spectators are welcome along the route and at the finish.

Any bikers wishing to participate will be asked for a £5 donation to be split between Jozef’s Dream CIC and Children’s Hospice South West’s Little Harbour in Porthpean, near St Austell.

Jozef was born on November 6, 2010 with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Sadly, his twin brother Jacob died at just three-and-a-half months old.

Jozef loved the sound of a motorbike engine. When he passed away in December 2022, it seemed only right that motorbikes should accompany him on his final journey. Motorcyclists from across Cornwall and beyond joined the mission to give Jozef a special send-off.

Jozef Stasiak's funeral with motorbike cortege
Jozef Stasiak's funeral with motorbike cortege (Submitted)

His mother, Heidi, wanted to start a movement that would seek to include and value all children in communities and ensure all medically complex children can live a fulfilling life without stigma or judgement. The result was Jozef’s Dream CIC.

“Jozef showed me how determined he was right from the start, proving doctors wrong at every opportunity,” said Heidi. “Even though he struggled at times, he always kept a smile on his face; he was a light in my heart.

“We believe that every individual has a valuable purpose in life,” she continued. “With help from other individuals or within a group, we hope to support caregivers to feel that whatever their wish for their child’s future life, they are listened to and believed, and can find strength to overcome any negativity or barriers - thus helping the caregiver to gain confidence in moving forward and helping their child reach their full potential.”

The organisation holds a support group for medically complex children and their families from noon on the second Tuesday of the month at The Hub in Carnon Downs.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/JozefStasiak24