Toy run spreads festive joy to needy Doncaster children

Bringing smiles to the faces of children who may otherwise go without at Christmas were members of the St Leger Harley Davidson Motorcycle Chapter when they completed their annual festive toy run.
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Each year the chapter collect presents from their own members and then these are the divided between, distributed and delivered to the Children’s Ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Doncaster Social Services who in turn circulate to youngsters within the social care system.

Twenty-one bikes along with their riders and some pillions, some of whom travelled from Sheffield and beyond braved the bitter cold weather and icy roads to meet at the Glasshouse, Barnby Dun. All were in fancy dress with their bikes also made suitably festive with the additions of tinsel, fairy lights, Santa’s, snowmen, reindeer and even angels.

Following a quick hot drink, sorting and gathering of presents the procession hit the road and set off towards Doncaster with festive music playing; the convoy was a sight to see, with people stopping in their tracks to wave, smile and video the riders.

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The first stop this year was at Cast where representatives from Social Services greeted the riders and took delivery of toys and presents.

The chapter make a concerted effort to try and accommodate all ages from babies up to teenagers, and all gifts are marked either boy or girl and with a suitable age group. A Social Services spokesperson said that the gifts go a long way to bring smiles to the faces of children, making a massive difference to those that receive them, some of whom may otherwise go without at this time of year.

The riders then moved off and did a round robin tour ride through Doncaster town centre, again being greeted with joyous waves, looks and cheers ending up outside the Children’s Ward at DRI, where staff and some of the children came down to meet the bikers, have photographs taken and accept their sacks of presents.

Andy Coe, St Leger Chapter Director said: “As a local based motorcycle club we have completed an annual toy run for a number of years.

“It is always a very well attended event and the generosity of the club members and this year local businesses make it a great event that will hopefully bring a little happiness and smile to the faces of some children that maybe experiencing difficulties or hardship at this time of year.

“This year over 12 large sacks of toys were collected, gifted and we had to utilise the Leeds Harley Davidson Dealership van to transport all of them as we were unable to transport them on the bikes; special thanks and mentions would like to be made to the following for their kind generosity, support and donations that they made to this worthwhile and enjoyable day, those being Leeds Harley Davidson, The Glasshouse Public House – Barnby Dun, Jay’s Animal Feeds Askern, Gary French Jewellers, Next, Boots, Wildsmiths Saddlery, J&S Motorcycles, Darren Arnold – Farriery and Iron Horse Saddlery.”