Bikers ride from Bill Smith Motors, Chester to Claire House Children’s Hospice in festive toy run fundraiser

Dec 8 2011 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

YOUNG and old mods and rockers have got on their bikes to deliver gifts and much-needed donations to Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Nearly 200 bikes, ranging from scooters to sports bikes, classic and new bikes, set off from Bill Smith Motors, Boughton, last Sunday.

Many riders were suited and booted in their Christmas best – Santas and elves gathered at the motorbike dealers to deliver the toys and gifts to the children with life-limiting and life-threatening diseases.

This was the sixth annual toy run for the firm and raised more than £1,500 as well as six huge sacks of donated gifts, all carried strapped to the back of the bikes.

Kelvin Sirrell, an employee at Bill Smith Motors, said: “Our customers and staff here are always keen to support the charity run as they know how important it is to Claire House as they need every penny they can get, relying solely on donations.”

The journey took about 40 minutes to the hospice in Clatterbridge Road, Wirral, where riders were invited inside for hot drinks and to pile high the gifts for the children and pass on their donations.

Abi Smith from Claire House said: “A big thank you to all the bikers and Bill Smith Motors, especially in the cold and rain.

“We have to raise £2.5m annually and without the continuous support from fundraisers, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Bill Smith Motors also awarded prizes on the day for the best-dressed motorbike and scooter.

Since the hospice opened, the company has raised more than £16,500 for Claire House through the toy run alone.

For further information on the annual Bill Smith Motors toy run, to which everyone is invited, visit www.billsmithmotors.co.uk or call 01244 323845.