The memorial ride was to remember 26-year-old Jake Hatton who died three years ago, and in the hope that other families would not have to face the same tragedy, Jake's friends and family came together to raise money for a local charity and mental health awareness.

The ride started with participants gathering at the Blast Furnace, riding to Oberon, Tarana and then back to Lithgow followed by a lunch and raffle at the Lithgow Workies.

One of Jake's best mates Chris Bennett who helps to organise the event said nearly 100 bikes and 25 cars with roughly 140 people turned up for the ride.

"It was a wet start to the day but soon cleared up for an enjoyable ride. It was a huge success," he said.

He also said there had been growing interest in sponsorship for the ride and hoped next year would be bigger and better.

"It's grown significantly from last year and will hopefully keep growing to help keep raising awareness for mental health issues and suicide and to remember a top bloke," he said.

LINC community hub manager and convener of Suicide Awareness "Let's talk Lithgow" Leanne Walding said she was very excited about the funds raised and they would be used accordingly.

"The funds are going to be going towards mental health literacy, development within our community we've already started projects at local schools in the area.

"We've also been able to fund mental health first aid for people, parents and teachers and we've also looked at teen mental health first aid," she said.

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Ms Walding said the funds were fantastic and although national charities do an amazing job, she was glad to be keeping the money local.

"The community has come together to give us some money to spend it locally, to strengthen mental health literacy here and to look at suicide prevention strategies. 

"They will see the money held here so we can make the decisions of how we are going to actually utilise that money to strengthen our community," she said.

Ms Walding also thanked the 'Ride 4 Jake' for the mammoth effort they had this year.

"It's such a great initiative to have and its a great way to remember a fantastic young gentlemen," she said.

Mr Bennett also wanted to thank those who participated in the ride, donated and sponsors for their support.

The next Walk 'n' Talk for Lithgow will be on Saturday, March 23 gathering at the Blast Furnace and Sunday, April 14 for Portland at The Foundations.

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