Santa Toy Run 2021.
Today, Sunday 5th Dec was the annual children’s hospital toy run
I took part with the DSEB, Dengie and Thurrock bike groups.
I set off around 9:30am to meet Marco at the Shell garage and help decorate his bike and set him up in a lovely little festive number .
Then, we made our way up the A12 to the Sandon Park and Ride to meet another one of our friends Mike (Honda CBR600), to then continue to Morrisons in Maldon with the rest of the riders. It was funny to see people taking pictures and waving from their cars as we rode up
Arriving at Morrisons, we had a nice 1hr rest time to fuel up, have a warm drink and a mince pie / sausage roll, paid for by the shop to say thank you for what we were doing, which was lovely.
The group then set off just before 12pm, with a trip through Maldon High Street, to our first stop of the day, the Phoenix Ward and Maternity unit at Broomfield Hospital where we distributed some well needed nappies and toys for the children with a little rest bite to warm up and a photo op. Marco peeled off en route to our next stop as the weather was not great and he had some bits that needed doing at home, so he waved us on as we turned off the a127 towards Little Havens Hospice in Benfleet, to drop further items off to children/ young adults who have been diagnosed with a complex or incurable condition.
From here, Mike and I headed off to Hockley, where we met one of his friends to surprise their Son Axl on his 3rd birthday for a ride by. A few of the neighbours popped out to say hello and see us greet him with a card and some toy bikes.
All in all a great ride for a great cause, which will take place again next year if anyone was interested in joining.
Stay safe all and Happy Holidays
Ashley K
