A motorcyclist who died at an event where members of the public tried to reach speeds of up to 200mph was a military veteran and Pride of Britain nominee.

Martin McConnell, who was in his 50s, was killed in a crash at Tibenham Airfield during the Terminal Velocity show.

The event features a 'rolling half mile' at which those taking part drive along the runway at high speeds.

Police and paramedics were called to the airfield at around 11am on Sunday and Mr McConnell was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved.

Mr McConnell, who was from the Royal Tunbridge Wells area of Kent, was a prominent fundraiser and campaigner.

Eastern Daily Press: Martin McConnell, from Sussex, has been named by his family as the victim of the fatal motorcycle crash on SundayMartin McConnell, from Sussex, has been named by his family as the victim of the fatal motorcycle crash on Sunday (Image: Martin McConnell)

He served in the Royal Corps of Transport and in 2015 set up a support group for military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, called Exforces PTSD.

The group raises money for families of ex-servicemen and women to go on holidays.

For his efforts raising more than £33,000 and funding 25 holidays to Jersey, Mr McConnell was nominated for the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year Award in 2018.

Last year, he travelled across Europe to deliver aid to Ukraine, after the Russian invasion.

Following his death, his son, Jamie, posted a tribute on social media.

READ MORE: Motorcyclist in his 50s dies in crash at Norfolk airfield

"I am lost for words at the minute," he said.

"We all know the risks taken when competing in motorcycle racing - unfortunately today is a day I never saw coming.

"We have lost my dad Martin McConnell in a high-speed crash at Tibenham Airfield this morning.

"I know for a fact he died smiling and doing what he loved.

"Rest in peace Dad, I will never forget you - the memories we have will live on forever in our hearts."

On their website, organisers of the Terminal Velocity event say they are "committed to safety".

Eastern Daily Press: The accident happened at Tibenham Airfield where Martin McConnell was attempting to break a speed recordThe accident happened at Tibenham Airfield where Martin McConnell was attempting to break a speed record (Image: Norfolk Glider Club)

They say: "Terminal Velocity was set up, to give owners the opportunity to experience the full potential of their cars' performance without endangering their own licence, liberty or anyone else’s safety."

They add: "Our runway events are rolling start, half mile, speed trials, this means that you will get the opportunity to drive your car as fast as you can within a safe, secure and most importantly, legal environment."

An advert for the Tibenham show asked: "Will our 204mph record be beaten this year?"

Before the event, the Suzuki Turbo Racing group posted online that Mr McConnell would be attempting to break that record.

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Police and the Health and Safety Executive have launched an investigation into the tragedy.

Norfolk Gliding Club, which owns and operates Tibenham Airfield, said: "The club wishes to offer its condolences to the family and friends of the rider involved in the tragic incident on Sunday."

Following the news, tributes poured out on social media. 

Kimberly Mason said: "Heartbroken. So glad I actually got to meet you in person - a true gentleman."

Another posted that he had served with Mr McConnell in Iraq and was devastated to hear the news.