Roy Pratt MBE, who launched the Newham-based Imps Motorcycle Display Team in 1970, died on May 25, aged 86.
He founded the team as a youth initiative in east London, with the charity taking on children between five and 16 to learn stunts and perform all over the world.
His funeral is taking place at 1pm at St Margaret’s Parish Church in Barking tomorrow (June 13).
Peter Mitchell, chairman of The Imps, told this paper that around 350 people are expected to turn up with six buses being used to take them from the Imps’ base in Beckton to the church.
He’s also expecting more than 100 motorcycles as escorts.
A link to confirm your attendance to the funeral can be found here.
Roy died on May 25 (Image: The Imps Motorcycle Display Team) “Roy was old school military,” said Peter.
“He was very smart, always on the ball and very well spoken.”
Peter’s grandson George joined the Imps after watching them do a show in Hornchurch.
After finding out that Peter used to be in the military, Roy recruited him to organise clothing and accessories for the team.
“I was retired by then so I joined them in that role and I’ve gone all over the world with them,” said Peter.
“You name a country, the Imps have probably been there – they are an international team.
“Roy was a single man and he dedicated his life to the children in the team.”
In 2002, Roy was given an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II.
Bryan Stewart co-founded the Imps with Roy back in 1970 and was Roy’s deputy for many years.
Bryan said: “That was the start of a very long and very close friendship.
“Roy’s life revolved around young people.
“Professionally he was an education social worker and he was involved in various youth organisations.
“He always made time to give support to kids in need – very often they were kids from single parent families or kids with behaviour problems.
“Absolutely everything revolved around the kids.”
He recounted the moment that led to the birth of the Imps.
“Some lads found a couple of dilapidated motorcycles and brought them down to Roy,” said Bryan.
“He said if they could get the bikes working then he’d teach them how to ride – it took them two weekends to fix the bikes and we then decided to include motorcycling as an activity in the adventure holiday scheme.
“We wanted to show parents that motorcycling could be done with young people safely so we put together a basic display of crossovers, tricks and jumps.
“That then got us requests to appear in some community events and it just snowballed from then.”
According to Bryan, Roy had heart issues in the latter years of his life which later led to breathing struggles.
Bryan said: “He fought against it for so long and wouldn’t give in but eventually when he had to give in, it had gone too far and he passed away.”
On the evening of Roy’s death, the Imps Facebook account posted a message to announce the news.
It said: “Roy was a truly remarkable man who touched the lives of many thousands of young people and families.
“His vision, dedication and unwavering belief in the potential of others helped shape generations.
“Founded over 55 years ago as a youth initiative in east London, the Imps has grown under Roy’s leadership into an internationally recognised, world-class display team.
“His legacy will continue to ride on in every performance, every salute, and every young life changed.
“The Imps Motorcycle Display Team remains strong. Roy’s contingency plans are in place, and the team will continue with the same spirit and pride he instilled in us all.”
