Danny’s Day at Mildenhall on June 7 (note new date)

A MEETING in honour of hugely popular Scunthorpe Speedway star Danny Ayres, who passed away on Saturday, will take place at Mildenhall Speedway on Sunday, June 7th (changed from original date of June 28th).

‘Danny’s Day’ will be a charity meeting which will raise funds for Danny’s dependents – partner Jodie and his two daughters, Lilou and Anaiya.

It will be a four-team tournament involving Mildenhall, Scunthorpe, Ipswich and Kent – all clubs closely associated with the Suffolk-born rider.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “We’ve been in close contract with the other clubs and we’ve decided the best course of action was to have Danny’s meeting at Mildenhall, where he was their captain.

“We’re going to make it a massive day. We’re planning to run coaches from Scunthorpe – we’ll be taking bookings as soon as our season starts. We want as many people there from Scunthorpe as possible.

“There’s been such an outpouring of emotion from the whole of speedway and beyond, and I know supporters will want to get to Mildenhall on June 7th, to pay tribute to a man who so many people loved.”

The Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund will also financially assist the Ayres family. The Ben Fund Bonanza is the opening meeting of the speedway season and takes place at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway on Saturday, March 14th (2pm).

A statement from the Ben Fund reads: “Everyone at the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund is incredibly upset to learn of the tragic passing of Danny Ayres.

“Danny was the ultimate entertainer and his loss will be felt deeply across the speedway community for years to come.

“He had been preparing for the biggest season of his career with Premiership outfit Ipswich and Championship side Scunthorpe.

“The Benevolent Fund will be doing everything they possibly can to assist the Ayres family in the coming months.

“Supporters can help support the family by attending the Ben Fund Bonanza at Scunthorpe on Saturday, March 14 (2pm).

“This was a meeting in which Danny was the first to volunteer to partake in – a real sign of his selfless attitude towards life and determination to be the best he possibly could.

“All our thoughts are with Danny’s family at this horrific time.”