Motorcyclists Deliver Christmas Toys to Swindon Hospital

A procession of hundreds of motorcyclists, adorned in festive attire, traveled through Swindon to bring toys to children hospitalized at Great Western Hospital. This event, held on Saturday, marked the 33rd consecutive year the Pinkertons motorcycle club has undertaken this journey through the town. The club amassed over £1,500 for the gifts through a street collection conducted in late November, supplemented by contributions from local businesses, resulting in a total of £7,000. Dave Carver, president of the club, conveyed to BBC Radio Wiltshire that the act of distributing the presents was “absolutely amazing.” Mr Carver stated on Friday: “One of our members is of course Father Christmas and he will go up talking to the children on the ward tomorrow and give them a present.” Beyond the toys distributed by Father Christmas to individual children, the group annually acquires new games consoles, televisions, and play equipment for the hospital’s family room. Motorcyclists from Swindon and the surrounding region were encouraged to participate, with 271 individuals joining the event. The toy run, which began in 1991, originated at an American-themed grill and bar, the namesake of the motorcycles, which was located in the west of the town at that time. Mr Carver recounted: “The manager there said to me and a few other lads who were riding motorcycles at the time ‘we’re going to go to the hospital and take some toys, are you up for it?'” He added: “We said ‘yes, of course we are’ and from that it has grown into what it is today.” Mandy Evans, secretary of Pinkertons motorcycle club, informed the BBC following the event that it was their “biggest ever.” She stated: “It’s all about the kids seeing Santa. It was heart-warming as always.” Evans further remarked: “Some of the children were very poorly so seeing their smiles was wonderful. “That’s what it’s all about for me.””