BIKE RUN OFF: BUT THEY STILL DROP OFF THEIR TOYS
By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk
HUNDREDS of children will still be receiving toys this Christmas thanks to a number of hardy motorcyclists who braved the snow to deliver gifts in this year’s Toy Run last weekend.
The annual event, which usually attracts thousands of bikers from across the country, had to be cancelled on Sunday due to the snow, but that did not put off a number of motorcyclists who carefully made the journey on bike or by car to High Close School to make sure their presents were delivered.
Organisers Jane and Ben Spiller have also set up an online donation page for those unable to make it on the day who would still like to make a contribution to the appeal.
Jane said: “We were so sorry to cancel The Toy Run but it would have been unsafe.
“Instead we asked folk to do a Toy Dump and take their presents to High Close School by car between 12pm and 3pm.There were also vehicles at the start at Amec Foster Wheeler, to receive gifts.
“Folk who were unable to get there were asked to deliver to Smith's of Whitley Wood, where Ben works, so that we could take them up to the school during the week.
“The support was wonderful. Cars were coming up the drive every minute of those three hours to deliver. The Mayor [of Wokingham Town, Cllr Peter Lucey], who was coming on the run anyway, came along to support!
“Folk mucked in and helped sort gifts out and unpacked the vans from AFW when they arrived. it was great.
“We tried to get the word around about cancelling. Sorry for any spectators who turned up anyway. We hope they did not get too cold!
“A huge thank you for everyone's support. You couldn't meet better people. Thank God for bikers!”
To make a donation online to the appeal, which will go towards funding a new PA system for High Close
School, visit www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/readingtoyrun.