Bikers in Chester put their wheels in motion to deliver toys and much-needed donations to a children’s hospice.
Hundreds of riders on scooters, trikes and motorbikes donned their crash helmets and revved up their engines for the Bill Smith Motors charity toy run, held earlier this month.
The convoy set off from the Boughton dealership, headed by Coronation Street actor Ian Puleston-Davies at noon.
Presents were delivered to Claire House Children’s Hospice on the Wirral. The hospice provides respite, end-of-life and bereavement care for children and young adults with complex medical needs and can be a real savior to hundreds of families in and around the city.
Each biker made a small donation for a charity T-shirt to take part and they took Christmas presents and/or donations to the hospice.
Karen Smith of Smiths Honda said: “We have so far raised more than £3,000 from the toy run this year and given that customers brought presents and donations – this is an amazing amount.
“This was our eighth toy run and was by far our largest and most successful."
“Not only were we blessed with the sunshine, Bill Smith Motors and Smiths Honda were blessed with the most amazing generosity of our customers and friends.
“Motorcycle clubs are clearly helping local charities more than any government funding."
“Claire House needs more than £6,000 a day to run and we will continue to raise much-needed funds. Many thanks to all who took part. I am so grateful and overwhelmed from your support.”
Ian Puleston-Davies added: “The joy of seeing so many bikers with presents for the children strapped to their bikes on a sunny December day was enough to bring a tear to your eye. A truly magnificent sight!"
“Classic bikes, racing bikes, Lamberettas and Vespas, mods and rockers galore – all united in bringing a little bit of happiness to Claire House. I take my (crash) helmet off to every one of you!”
Mark Smith, from Bill Smith Motors, said: “This year’s charity run is more important than ever to us, as we as a family have directly seen how important the care and support Claire House provides really is."
“You pray as a parent that you will never have to contact a place like this hospice but reality is, it can happen to anyone, and as this very special unique hospice needs every penny it can get to keep it going.”
Abi Smith, Cheshire area fundraising manager for Claire House, said: “Five hundred people turning up to support this event is truly amazing; the biking community never let us down."
“Christmas is such a wonderful time for everyone, a chance to spend it with our families and loved ones."
“Events like this one allow families who use the services of Claire House to enjoy time together, not just during the festive period, but all year round."
“We’re so grateful to Bill Smith Motors for all their support over the past 12 months and we look forward to working with them and their customers, long into the new year.”
