Five cages of presents have been delivered to QEQM Hospital’s Rainbow Ward for children thanks to the 41st annual Whitstable Toy Run.
Some 240 bikers took to the road for the journey from Whitstable, through Herne Bay, down the Thanet Way and through Birchington to Margate to bring some festive joy to little ones who will be staying in hospital during Christmas.
The event is organised by the Whitstable Toy Run Association (WTRA) which is made up of bikers getting together to help disadvantaged children during bad times in their life. They do this by organising two runs; one at Christmas and an Egg Run at Easter along with various events throughout the year.
Chairman Damian Hughes said: “It was our 41st toy run this year and we had 240 bikers. We raised £550 in donations on the day which will go towards extra things for the ward and we also collected five big cages full of toys for all the kids on the ward over Christmas.
“We make sure every kid gets a present on Rainbow Ward and some also go to children at Canterbury Hospital.
“The toy run was started by a couple of people years ago when one of our bikers was involved in an accident and needed treatment. It was decided this was a good way to give back to the hospital and it has just rolled on from there.
“I always wanted to do it as my own children have spent time in hospital so I know what it is like.”
The bikers were greeted by staff on the ward and members of the Friends of QEQM who were on hand to provide a hot drink and homemade biscuits
Full marks to the bikers of East Kent, a magnificent well run effort, much appreciated.