KEEP ON RUNNING!
STAR BIKERS HIT THE STREETS IN AID OF NEEDY YOUNGSTERS:
MOTORISTS were met with an unusual sight as Santa Claus and his elves headed out on motorbikes – along with a Christmas tree.
Hundreds took to the city’s roads for the annual Star Bikers Toy Run, where gifts were collected before being distributed to needy families.
And participants got well and truly into the festive spirit for the event, which set off from Stoke City’s bet365 Stadium yesterday morning.
Many chose to dress up as Father Christmas for the ride – which is now in its 41st year – but others opted for less festive options, with Iron Man, Winnie the Pooh and Danger Mouse all making an appearance.
Andrew and Anita Morton’s motorbike boasted an impressive display of festive decorations, which included a life-size Christmas Tree – complete with baubles, lights and tinsel.
Fifty six-year-old Andrew, from Birches Head, said: “I started decorating the bike about five years ago. It started off with a little bit of tinsel and some small Christmas trees, and it’s just got bigger every year.
“We love to see the kids’ faces as we go around. They are ready to burst during this time of year anyway and they get so excited when they see the tree, so we do it for them really.”
Pensioners Janet and Victor Bevington have only been biking for three years, but now regularly attend charity rides across the country.
Seventy two-year-old Janet, of Blurton, said: “I was very ill in 2015. I had to have two major operations, and when I started to recover I vowed to change my life. I told Victor I wanted a motorbike, and once he learned how to ride one we went to Ireland to pick one up. Now we are part of a motorbike club and we often go on tours around the country. The bike gave me a new lease of life and we’re loving it.”
Victor, who is 73, said: “I was 70 years old the first time I ever got onto a bike and it’s been better than I ever could have expected.”
The toy run – which is believed to have started in 1977 – is a parade of motorbikes and scooters which delivers presents to underprivileged youngsters in North Staffordshire.
Participants pay a small fee to take part in the run and also donate a new, unwrapped toy. After collecting more while on the road they meet up at the King’s Hall in Stoke.
Seventy-year-old Barry Jones, from Bucknall, took part in a full Santa suit.
He said: “I’ve been doing the toy run for about 20 years and I love it. My two grandchildren, who are only eight and five-years-old, love watching me.
“Biking is in my blood and if I can help to put a smile on children’s faces, then that’s what I will do.
“Bikers get a bad name, but we are a community and we all pull together when we’re needed.”
Husband and wife June and Simon Redfern, from Sandyford, also went for festive fancy dress.
June, aged 54, said: “We like to help the children and it’s just really nice to take part. We get a lot of support as we’re riding around, which is why we brought the trike with us this year. We do have a Harley too, but the trike is better for collecting presents on the way round.”