Hospice children receive gifts from Chester convoy of mods and rockers

Dec 7 2009 Chester Chronicle

CHILDREN at Claire House received more than 200 gifts from a convoy of mods and rockers on Sunday.

Bill Smith Motors Ltd's annual toy run saw 220 motorcyclists and scooterists from across Cheshire, Manchester and North Wales pay a visit to the hospice.

Some had teddies – covered in plastic to protect them from the rain – strapped to their bikes as they left Bill Smith’s showroom in Chester and headed for the hospice on the Wirral.

Karen Smith, a director at Bill Smith’s, said the generosity of those taking part was heart warming.

“Every penny is vital for the hospice and for people to be giving me cheques for £30 at a time was fantastic,” she said.

Riders – some dressed as Father Christmas – delivered the presents to children aged between five and 19 at the hospice in Clatterbridge Road.

The hospice needs to raise £2.5million a year to maintain its services and is reliant on donations.

Bill Smith’s toy run – which was organised by Bill Smith’s Kelvin Sirrell – also raised £1,000 for Claire House and Karen, a fundraiser for the hospice, said the money was needed more than ever.

“When there is a recession everyone struggles including the hospice,” she said. “It was very moving to see how generous everyone was and it made the children’s day to see all the motorbikes.”

To make a donation to Claire House go to www.claire-house.org.uk. To take part in next year's toy run call Kelvin at Bill Smith's on 01244 323845.