“IT helps us with our grief, you don’t want your baby to be forgotten and we don’t want Violet to be forgotten.”

Those are the words of Becky and Glenn Youens after an emotional Ride 4 Violet-Grace which saw hundreds of cyclists and motorcyclists join forces to raise funds for the two hospitals that tried to save the four-year-old’s life.

The tragic death of Violet-Grace Youens in March last year following a hit and run led to an outpouring of love from the St Helens community for her grief stricken family.

This second annual event saw even more riders flood into the Saints stadium in memory of the little girl whose story touched the hearts of our town.

Leading the pack was her proud parents Glenn and Becky Youens, from Eccleston who led the riders to Whiston Hospital before the motorcyclists rode on to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The motorcyclists arrived back first followed shortly after by the cyclists.

Talking after the ride Glenn and Becky, both 30, said: “It was amazing and breath taking again, we are blown away.

“I’ve sobbed my heart out to be honest, but I rode this year, I was riding with pride and she’s brought the sun out.

“It helps us with our grief, you don’t want your baby to be forgotten and we don’t want Violet to be forgotten.

“You love your children until death and it’s so lovely to see people come out and show their support for Violet. It’s all about her and she would love this, she really would.

“She was with us today, she sorted the weather out definitely, we were worried about it but as soon as everyone got here the sun was out and she’s watching over us and enjoying the day with us I hope.

“A community has come together from far and wide and everyone has pulled together, so many people have organised this and give up their free time. 

“People have come here today, riding the bicycles and bringing their families to the fun day and it’s just nice to see everyone pull together, a community that’s united.

“It’s breathtaking, I can’t put it into words to be honest.”

The day also saw a family fun day including bouncy castles, ice cream vans and a fire engine and police vehicles that children could have a go on.

The day also had representatives from NHS Blood and Transplant, who brought along a life-size game of operation to highlight the importance of organ donation.

This was a main focus for the day as Violet-Grace herself saved two lives by becoming an organ donor after her death.