MORE than 200 bikers were joined by Coronation Street star Ian Puleston-Davies as they set off from Bill Smith Motors in Chester on Sunday for their toy run to Claire House Children’s Hospice.
Through the cold and rain, bikers put their best festive fancy dress on to show the children and their families at Claire House some festive fun.
This was Bill Smith’s seventh charity toy run to the Wirral hospice, where fundraising is essential to its survival.
The hospice provides respite, end-of-life and bereavement care for children and young adults with complex medical needs from across Cheshire and North Wales.
Abi Fisher of Claire House said: “Once again the generosity of the bikers for the toy run was overwhelming. It is heart-warming to us all at the hospice that this event goes from strength to strength every year. Despite the hard economic times, the event has raised £1,500.
“I would also like to thank Karen Smith for raising over £20,000 this year through business events. Her continued support is so crucial to us.”
Ian Puleston-Davies supported the Smiths’ favourite charity once again by riding a Yamaha 125 among the convoy of bikers. He’s a keen biker and wanted to test out the new demo electric scooter.
The event had support from young and old, the youngest being four months, while the oldest rider on the day was in his 70s.
Mark Smith from Bill Smith Motors said: “I want to say a huge thanks to Ian for supporting the event. He was so keen to get on a bike and join everyone – bikers are always up for supporting a good cause no matter the weather and it was amazing to see our biggest turnout ever this year.”
