0

Former stunt rider Eddie Kidd and friends ride into the Bay


April 21, 2019 - 10632 views

In the seventies and early eighties he was a pin up guy and the subject of many teenage girls attention whilst for many he was known as the daredevil who attempted many dangerous stunts much to the amazement of everyone watching.

Eddie Kidd along with stunt rider Evel Knievel, were two names which were on everyone lips in during the time and kids everywhere wanting to be just like him.

Not only was he a fantastic motorcycle rider but he was also an actor and male model.  Toy manufacturers couldn’t wait to produce model stunt bikes and games with Eddie's face on. I fondly remember reading about Eddie’s exploits in The Sun and in the showbiz columns - there was always one of the day’s top models on Eddie’s arm.

He has worked as a stunt double in many films, notably for Timothy Dalton in The Living DaylightsRoger Moore and Michael Caine in Bullseye! and Pierce Brosnan in GoldenEye.

One of his most famous motorcycle stunts was in the 1979 film Hanover Street starring Harrison Ford. Doubling for Ford on a motorbike he jumped a 120 feet railway cutting at 90 miles per hour in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

Then in 1996 it all went wrong following an accident Staffordshire that almost cost him his life.

He fell into a coma following a relatively straight forward jump and when he came round, doctors confirmed that serious pelvic and head injuries would confine Eddie to intense on-going medical treatment treatment to help his mobility and the serious brain injuries which he endured.

Earlier today Colwyn Bay welcomed Eddie and hundreds of motorbikes to the town on a fundraising 'ride out' from South Wales to help raise further money for his treatment.

Former Mayor and Bayside Radio's Jeff Pearson was on hand to welcome Eddie along with Mayor Stephen Williams and Deputy Mayor Cllr Neil Bastow who is a keen motorcycle enthusiast and a big fan of Eddie.

Many fans turned out to meet their childhood hero and show their support. The area along Station Road and around the Station pub was packed out. Surprised diners at the Afon Conwy in Glan Conwy were also welcomed with an impromtu visit from the convoy.

The organisation behind the event 'Eddie Kidd Fights Back’ have been amazed at the support that has been given by people from right across Wales in the planning of the event and the fundraising which has happened on route.

To help contribute to the on-going fundraising please visit www.gofundme.com/eddie-kidd-fights-back.