Up to 500 motorcyclists set to ride out for Eastleigh veteran who has months to live

An expected 200 to 500 bikes will head to Eastleigh on Saturday in support of Dave Digger Gardner who doctors say has just weeks to live.

The 56-year-old amputee joined the Royal Artillery when he was 21 and served across the globe including Canada, Iraq, Kuwait and Germany.

But after a scorpion got caught in his boot during an incident in Canada around 2000, he was forced to retire after both legs were amputated.

Despite living on the streets for a year, Dave, who now lives with his wife in Hedge End, was determined to help other veterans like himself.

Dave Digger Gardner (Image: .)

Setting up the company, Tail End Charlie, Dave has been working with his team of volunteers ever since to help veterans.

But in April he was hit with more bad news when he was rushed to hospital to find out that sepsis had developed in his stumps.

Despite more amputations, doctors gave him just three months to live.

But now he says he is determined to make them "eat their words" by continuing his work to help other veterans, five months on from the diagnosis.

He has been stunned by the level of support shown for him.

Dave told the Echo: "All these people I have known since we did the march in London and they all know me.

"It's amazing. I didn't expect this at all. I can't believe they're coming down and coming to see me."

Vowing to keep helping veterans despite his ailments, he added: "This isn't going to stop. I have got the passion and the determination".

Veterans group Rolling Thunder CONEX is due to head to Eastleigh for a day of activities including a ride through the town, visit Dave and his family, and hold a social event and BBQ.

The organiser of Rolling Thunder CONEX, a group which helps veterans suffering from PTSD, Graham Parsons described Dave as an "incredible human being".

He added: "His mental strength is incredible. He's so positive. He is still here and he is still fighting.

"We're doing the ride in support of him. Motorbikes from all over the UK are attending and showing their support and love for digger and his family."

Dave Digger Gardner. (Image: .)

Starting at 11am at the Master Builders Pub car park, the bikers will ride around three miles along Upper Northam Road and The Close Junction in Hedge End, before heading to the war memorial in Eastleigh where they will meet with the mayor - Councillor Adam Manning, MP Paul Holmes, and several Gurkhas.

They will then lay wreaths and mark the passing of the Queen before returning to the Masters Pub for a BBQ.