Bedfordshire Police fine mourners for attending memorial ride-out for dearly loved ‘Lally’

Raheem Mcvey, 21, who died after battling lymphoma cancer

Bedfordshire Police has defended its decision to hand out fines to people in breach of Covid-19 regulations at a memorial ride-out for a popular Leighton Buzzard man.

The force received heavy criticism when it posted on Facebook warning people not to attend the event as it went ahead on Sunday (February 14).

A Beds Police spokesperson told the LBO: “Up to 60 vehicles took part in the memorial ride-out in the Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable areas.

“Officers engaged with those involved to explain the current Covid rules and encourage people to go home.

“While we understand people want to be involved, it is important we all follow the guidance and keep the number of vehicles on the road down.

“We issued eight fixed penalty notices for those who continued to breach Covid regulations after engagement.”

The ride-out, starting in Leighton Buzzard and proceeding through Dunstable and Luton, honoured the life of Raheem Mcvey, 21, known as ‘Lally’ who died recently.

Tributes to Raheem Mcvey near the family home

His mother, Emma Mcvey, did not attend but she told the LBO it was his friends who organised the event wishing to celebrate his life in the only way they could.

Emma said: “Raheem battled stage four lymphoma cancer for most of last year and was still in immense pain from the damage the chemotherapy and steroids had caused to his bones (Avascular necrosis).

“Although Raheem was 21 he often said he felt like a 55-year-old because he struggled with walking and the stairs.

“Sadly his cancer came back and my boy just didn’t want to go through all that again. He was so tired, he has left the biggest hole in our family and it’s going to take a long time to face that he’s gone.

“So many people have been coming to my home to leave flowers. I have seen videos of people in their cars and bikes of all ages at the ride-out that just wanted to pay tribute to a young man that had touched so many people’s lives.

“His friends sold t-shirts and car stickers and all the proceeds from that have been donated towards funeral and memorial arrangements.

“We are living in strange times at the moment and these young people know they won’t be able to attend his funeral as it’s limited, so they celebrated his life the only way they could.

“I consider myself lucky to have a son that was so loved and had such a lovely group of friends that will never forget him.”

Emma has set up a fundraising page for donations, visit https://uk.gf.me/v/c/p3jq/lallys-world

Comments made on Beds Police’s Facebook post about their intended use of enforcement action at the ride-out included: “I don’t see the problem, obviously they are all in their cars so it would be social distancing.”

Another person said: “Whilst I understand the concerns over additional traffic and accident potential I do feel a little compassion could be observed here. Maybe give them an escort rather than a fine so long as they are keeping safe distances and driving carefully. I don’t know the lad but from what I have been told everyone who met him liked him. His passing is tragic enough, I feel his friends should get to honour him.”

While someone argued that those attending would likely be stopping for fuel and food, all non essential during in a pandemic.

Last month, after issuing a £10,000 fine to the organiser of a New Year’s Eve party in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire Police published an open letter to anyone looking to attend large gatherings such as parties, protests or funerals which breach the existing regulations, reminding people that officers will take enforcement action to disperse large groups of people.

This was followed up with a warning from the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holloway about funerals after one in Leighton Buzzard and one in Arlesey breached Covid-19 regulations, despite police engagement in advance.

Government lockdown rules state: “You must not leave or be outside of your home except where you have a ‘reasonable excuse’. This is the law. The police can take action against you if you leave home without a ‘reasonable excuse’, and issue you with a fine.

“You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.”

See a list of ‘reasonable excuses’ at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

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