Gifts from Santa on his Harley
Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 4:50 am
Gifts from Santa on his Harley
Monday, December 18, 2006 - By Emily Walker - Swindon Advertiser - swindonadvertiser.co.uk
HUNDREDS of motorbikes swarmed to Swindon's hospital to deliver thousands of pounds worth of gifts for young patients.
The bikers, from the Pinkerton Motorcycle Club and other groups from as far away as Nottingham, added Santa hats and reindeer antlers to their helmets and decorated their bikes with tinsel for the visit to the Great Western Hospital on Saturday.
More than 100 Harley Davidsons and custom made bikes arrived, escorted by police motorcyclists, at noon.
Father Christmas' biker helpers brought so many presents that they couldn't carry them all so had to commandeer a van to deliver them all.
Road captain Jake Cannon said: "Bikers from all over the area have joined in, helping with the fundraising events as well as the ride.
"Mick and Jake have even come from Nottingham to join in and really got into the spirit of things by wearing antlers.
"It is miserable being in hospital so we want to do everything we can to cheer the kids up."
Claire Parks the senior hospital play specialist, said: "They have raised so much this year, we were able to give them a massive wish list.
"They have brought presents for the children as well as toys and equipment to be kept on the ward, including a computer, an Xbox and play station games."
Club secretary Mary Strickland said: "We were in the town centre last month and managed to coerce a lot of people into handing over their cash.
"Lots of local businesses have made big donations too.'' All 50 members of the club were involved in the fundraising.
Biker Ivor Branscombe, of Chiseldon, couldn't take part in the run because he was being treated at the hospital himself, but still came down from his ward to meet his friends. Ivor said: "We have been doing the runs for about 15 years now. It's a real shame I can't take part properly, but I'm planning to break out a bit later to make it to the party."
Patients from the hospital's children's ward said they were excited to see the bikers and all the presents.
Eight-year-old Gemma Howell, who is being treated for a bone disease, said: "They were all really friendly."
More than 120 bikers delivered the presents to the ambulance bay then rode a lap of honour around the hospital.
They then sang carols in the foyer showing even more of their softer side.
Monday, December 18, 2006 - By Emily Walker - Swindon Advertiser - swindonadvertiser.co.uk
HUNDREDS of motorbikes swarmed to Swindon's hospital to deliver thousands of pounds worth of gifts for young patients.
The bikers, from the Pinkerton Motorcycle Club and other groups from as far away as Nottingham, added Santa hats and reindeer antlers to their helmets and decorated their bikes with tinsel for the visit to the Great Western Hospital on Saturday.
More than 100 Harley Davidsons and custom made bikes arrived, escorted by police motorcyclists, at noon.
Father Christmas' biker helpers brought so many presents that they couldn't carry them all so had to commandeer a van to deliver them all.
Road captain Jake Cannon said: "Bikers from all over the area have joined in, helping with the fundraising events as well as the ride.
"Mick and Jake have even come from Nottingham to join in and really got into the spirit of things by wearing antlers.
"It is miserable being in hospital so we want to do everything we can to cheer the kids up."
Claire Parks the senior hospital play specialist, said: "They have raised so much this year, we were able to give them a massive wish list.
"They have brought presents for the children as well as toys and equipment to be kept on the ward, including a computer, an Xbox and play station games."
Club secretary Mary Strickland said: "We were in the town centre last month and managed to coerce a lot of people into handing over their cash.
"Lots of local businesses have made big donations too.'' All 50 members of the club were involved in the fundraising.
Biker Ivor Branscombe, of Chiseldon, couldn't take part in the run because he was being treated at the hospital himself, but still came down from his ward to meet his friends. Ivor said: "We have been doing the runs for about 15 years now. It's a real shame I can't take part properly, but I'm planning to break out a bit later to make it to the party."
Patients from the hospital's children's ward said they were excited to see the bikers and all the presents.
Eight-year-old Gemma Howell, who is being treated for a bone disease, said: "They were all really friendly."
More than 120 bikers delivered the presents to the ambulance bay then rode a lap of honour around the hospital.
They then sang carols in the foyer showing even more of their softer side.