THE devastated wife of a dad-of-two who was killed in a motorcycle crash in Knutsford is organising a motorbike and van ride to mark his 31st birthday.

Former policeman Ian Glanister, from St Helens, was on his way home from work at Egertons Recovery in Knutsford on Thursday, March 28 2019, when he was involved in the fatal crash.

Ian was riding his motorcycle on Manchester Road when a crash occurred with a car leaving Cottons Hotel at around 6.25pm.

The 29-year-old died at the scene.

Ian had an advanced driving licence from his time in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary after training with Merseyside Police.

Knutsford Guardian:

The tribute for Ian at the site of the crash

He had taken voluntary early retirement to spend more time with his two children Megan and Jennifer and had been working at Egertons Recovery for around nine months due to his love of vehicles before the crash in Knutsford.

His widow Leighanne attempted to organise a ride out to mark the anniversary of his death in March, but due to the pandemic this had to be cancelled.

However, with social distancing restrictions in place, she is hoping people will join her on Friday, October 2 to mark what would be her husband's 31st birthday on Thursday, October 1.

Leighanne said: "Myself and Jennifer wanted to arrange something special for Ian's birthday this year given the fact we had to cancel the anniversary memorial due to Covid-19.

"We decided to mix all the things Ian loved, family, friends, bikes, cars and vans.

"This is the second birthday since we lost Ian in March 2019 and we wanted to make sure his memory stayed alive in every possible way.

"There will be special tributes left that mark Ian's life and exactly what he meant to each and every person whose life has been effected by losing him.

"We welcome anyone who wants to help us celebrate to please come along.

"I will be making sure all guidelines around social distancing are followed."

People wishing to take part in the ride out are asked to meet at Tesco St Helens car park from 6pm to 7pm, with the group leaving at 7pm.

They will be heading to the crash site at Cottons Hotel in Knutsford along the M62 then onto the M6.

Bikes, vans and cars are welcome, as are cards, balloons and flowers.