Press Reports

Bikers boost toy appeal
Monday, December 10, 2012  By MICHELLE CHOW (The Sentinel)

BUS driver Andy Love swapped his usual vehicle for a motorbike to collect Christmas present toys for disadvantaged children.
Andy, aged 50, Fenton, joined thousands of other riders to take part in the 35th Star Bikers’ Toy Run.
The bikers met at the Britannia Stadium and did a 14-mile tour of the city to collect toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal, which is backed the The Sentinel and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Well-wishers lined the streets to donate their toys to the cause.
Andy, who has taken part in the toy run for the last 35 years, said: “I think it’s a great cause because kids that are less privileged will be able to receive a present they wouldn’t normally get.
“You see the same people taking part every year but you also see a lot of new faces. The kids who sit on the back of their parent’s motorbike end up becoming riders themselves when they reach the legal age. The weather was pretty shocking at the start, with all that rain, but at least it didn’t snow.”
Andy’s daughter, Deanna, aged 11, has been taking part in the toy run since she was four years old.
She said: “I love going around on the bike and collecting lots of toys. We always collect at least 20 and one time, we had this big teddy as well.”
For 10-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer George Chapman, of Bucknall, this was the first time he had taken part in the event.
George and his family were contacted by Ken Davis, who owns a 2.5 BMW Diesel trike and asked if George wanted to take part.
The 65-year-old from Abbey Hulton has joined the run for the last seven years and had seen George in The Sentinel.
He said: “Me and my partner Carol are always doing things for charity and we thought it would be nice for George to have a ride on the trike.
“He was over the moon and you could see he really enjoyed it. We all had a lovely day and hopefully, it’s something he will remember.”
Ken spent £500 decorating the trike to make it look more festive.
“The kids were all really excited when they saw it. We will probably do it up again next year as well,” he said.
George said: “I was really looking forward to having a ride on the big bike.
“It’s definitely the biggest one I’ve been on. I think it’s really sad when other children don’t get toys for Christmas so hopefully, this will help them.”
Georgina Clarke, aged 18, of Eccleshall, brought her 10-year-old brother Toby Byatt, to the event for the first time. She said: “It’s a fun day and the atmosphere is always terrific. It’s great to see kids getting involved because it means that they can carry it on.”
Toby said: “I was really excited about doing the toy run but I was a bit nervous at the start because I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t get too wet because I had my leather jacket and boots on.”

Star Bikers Toy Run attracts hundreds of motorbike enthusiasts
Monday, December 12, 2011 (The Sentinel)

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD fund-raiser Megan Baddeley will always remember the first Christmas toy run she took part in.
For the schoolgirl spent it being whizzed around the city’s roads on the back of a £30,000, 16ft long trike.
Inspired by the tragic death of 20-year-old Smallthorne soldier Zak Cusack in Afghanistan last year, Megan got her classmates at Abbey Hulton Primary School to bring in gifts in aid of Support Our Soldiers.
And she also completed a 14-mile run from Trentham to Froghall in July in aid of Help For Heroes.
As a reward, Megan and her mum Amanda, who live in Abbey Hulton, took part in yesterday’s 34th annual Star Bikers Toy Run on the back of Ken Davies’ turbo BMW trike.
Megan said: “I wanted to do something to support our soldiers for everything they are doing for us.”
Amanda, aged 28, said: “Megan has got a few family members serving in the Armed Forces and we’re very proud of what she has done.”
Ken, aged 64, who lives in Newstead, said: “We told Megan if she did the charity run she could come on the trike, and she did.
“It’s a fantastic event to be part of. It brings the community together.” Megan was among more than 1,000 bikers taking part in the toy run.
They gathered on a car park at the Britannia Stadium before starting their city tour at 11am.
Residents lined the route to hand over toys and gifts, which were taken to the Kings Hall in Stoke to be handed out to disadvantaged families across the city.
Chris and Lorraine Hackett, from Weston Coyney, were taking part for the first time.
Lorraine, aged 32, said: “My mum and dad have been doing the bike run for years, but me and Chris got our bikes this year so thought we would take part. It’s great to see so many people out on a Sunday morning supporting children.”
Phil Redgate took part in the charity event for the 17th time, dressed as Santa Claus.
The 53-year-old, who lives in Tunstall, said: “Me and a few of the others who work at Staffordshire University as security guards have chipped in and we have got a bag full of presents to give in at the end.”
Andy Morton and his wife Anita, from Birches Head, had stuck a 3ft Christmas tree to the back of their motorbike.
Andy, aged 49, said: “I’ve been doing the bike run for 16 years now, but I only came up with the tree idea in the last few years.”
Anita, aged 46, said: “It’s great to see so many people coming together like this for such a worthy cause.”
Around a dozen people were taking part from the Stoke-on-Trent Scooter Club, including 48-year-old Mike Slater, from Trentham, who had attached a sleigh full of presents to the back of his bike.
He said: “My children had stopped me using the sleigh because they said it was embarrassing, but they’re both at university now so I’ve brought it back out.”
Anthony Middleton, Star Bikers’ chairman, who has taken part in the event since 1980, said: “We’ve had a fantastic turnout. People are struggling for money at the minute, yet they continue to be generous to those who are less fortunate.”

Thousands take part in annual Star Bikers’ Egg Run

Monday, April 11, 2011 By Ciara Hill (The sentinel)

FOR the last five years, Steve Cox has been taking part in the annual Star Bikers’ Egg Run which raises thousands of pounds for disadvantaged children.
But this is the first year the 45-year-old has dressed up in costume for the event.
The sales director, from Stone, was among 3,000 bikers who set off from the Britannia Stadium for the 33rd annual Egg Run yesterday.
Father-of-four Steve, who dressed as a chicken, said: “It’s a great excuse to see other bikes and meet people you may not have seen for years.
“Sometimes you bump into people who you didn’t even know were bikers.”
His partner Sarah Clarke, aged 36, said: “We’ve been taking part in the egg run for about five years now and all that time Steve has been badgering to get a fancy dress outfit for it.
“So this year we came as a chicken and a rabbit, pictured below, with cuddly toys stuck on the bikes.
“This egg run is about so many people coming together to do something great for charity.
“Bikers often just get slated for driving too fast, but something like this helps people see we can doing something positive.”
As the bikers rode the 14-mile route through the city, crowds of supporters handed them chocolate eggs and donations, to be distributed to children in hospitals, homes and single-parent families.
Mark “Titch” Davies, aged 45, of Upper Belgrave Road, Normacot, was dressed as a nun.
The 45-year-old rides a Kymco 125 scooter and has taken part in the egg run for the past 10 years.
He said: “I work at Tesco in Longton and I gathered 61 eggs, donated by customers.
“I always dress up for the egg run. Last year I was dressed as Elvis Presley.
“It’s important to me because I don’t have kids of my own, so it’s nice to be able to do something for children.
“I do a lot of fund-raising for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust as well.”
Each biker taking part gave a £2 donation to the cause and handed over an Easter egg before completing the route through Trentham, Longton, Weston Coyney, Bentilee, Hanley and Stoke.
They then gathered at the King’s Hall in Stoke for family-orientated attractions.
Rob Flello, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, was among the spectators supporting the event.
He said: “There was a fantastic turnout this year with everything from novices to very experienced bikers.
“Everybody came together to raise money for charity and I’m very jealous because at the moment my Yamaha XVS 650 Dragstar is off the road.”
Tony Boden, chairman of the Stoke-on-Trent Scooter club, rode around in style on his 1966 Lambretta red and white scooter accompanied by 20 members of his club.
The 48-year-old father-of-three from Stoke, said: “There are four scooter clubs in the city.
“I used to have a scooter when they were first popular in the 70s and 80s and then I had kids and it went by the wayside.
“But in the last couple of years there’s been a revival, the scooter scene is growing again and groups of friends who had them all those years ago are meeting up.
“We take the scooter to rallies all over the country.
“The enduring appeal of a scooter is the sense of style.
“They are so retro and you can style it whatever way you want, taking it apart, respraying it.
“They are timeless.”

Comments: Well done to all who took part, you are a credit to all 2 (and 3) wheelers,Looks like you had a great day for it,I am proud to say I was on the first toy & egg runs, and many since, I would have been there yesterday if it wasn’t for living 200 miles away and being currently bikeless,
Johntoe, commented on Apr 11, 2011 1:17 PM – http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Bikers-egg-stra-mile-children-treat/article-3432086-detail/article.html

Bikers rev up for 33rd annual Egg Run around city

By Laura James. Wednesday, April 06, 2011,

THOUSANDS of bikers will line the roads when they take part in the 33rd annual Egg Run this weekend.
The Star Bikers event generates cash and Easter eggs for disadvantaged children and takes to the city’s streets on Sunday.
It is thought around 3,000 bikers will meet at the Britannia Stadium before setting off on a 14-mile route to the King’s Hall, in Stoke, where the day will be rounded off with a live music performance from local band House Party.
Each participant will make a donation of £2 and an Easter egg, collecting more eggs from the crowds along the ride.
Antony Middleton, chairman of the Star Bikers’ charity committee, aged 50, from Penkhull, said: “We never know who is going to turn up, but we have been averaging around 2,000 people for the last couple of events.
“Hopefully, the weather will turn out to be fine.”
The Egg Run started after the success of the first Toy Run, a similar, Christmas-time event, in 1978.
Each year, the collected items are dished out among charities, children in hospitals and homes, and single-parent families.
Biker Karen Jones, aged 42, of Macclesfield, below, will be donning her leathers alongside her husband and two children.
She said: “We have been doing the egg run and the toy run for over six years now and really enjoy it.
“It is a family event for us as our children come along – they have been riding with us since they were very small and sometimes we even dress up.
“We love riding so we thought we would take the opportunity to raise some money to help charity as well.
“There is always lots of support and people are always stopping us to collect something. We just have to put them on our handlebars and carry on.”
Mark ‘Titch’ Davies, aged 45, of Normacot, will also be taking part. He said: “I will be doing it at the weekend and I have already collected about 30 Easter eggs.
“Last year I dressed up as an Easter bunny and this year I am going to be a nun. I have a sign on the front of my bike which says ‘nun on the run.’”
The Tesco worker added: “There is always a lot of support from people, especially if the weather is nice. A lot of the staff at Tesco in Longton have already made donations.”
The route will take the bikers through Trentham, Longton, Weston Coyney, Bentilee, Hanley and Stoke.
The event used to culminate in a celebration including rock bands and wet T-shirt competitions, but these have made way for more family-orientated attractions.
Anyone wishing to take part in the Egg Run should arrive at the Britannia Stadium before 10.45am in time for a prompt 11am start.
Entry to the King’s Hall is free for participating bikers, but other arrivals will be asked for a £1 donation.

Big thanks for toy run efforts

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

ORGANISERS of the toy run organised to help struggling families have applauded the generosity of the residents.
Thousands of motorcyclists took part in a tour of Stoke-on-Trent earlier this month to pick up toys and gifts as part of the 33rd Star Bikers Charity event.
Bikers gathered at the Britannia Stadium before riding to King’s Hall in Stoke, where the toys were collected.
Ian Maddock, from Hanley, is webmaster for the charity’s internet site.
And the 38-year-old said: “We had a good turnout and received a lot of support.
“I think, because people are aware that families are really struggling with the economic times we are in, we found that they were very generous in making donations.
“I think everyone is aware how tough some families are finding it at the moment with the economy.
“After collecting all the toys in we managed to fill a seven-and-a-half tonne truck with gifts, which is fantastic.”
The toys will now be distributed.

Thousands gear up for egg run fun
Tuesday, March 17, 2009,

THOUSANDS of motorcyclists are preparing for the 31st annual Egg Run this weekend.
The Star Bikers event, which takes place on Sunday, is held every year to raise money for needy children.
Participants make a donation of £2 and an Easter egg, and collect more eggs from the supporting crowds who line the streets as they ride through Stoke-on-Trent in a cavalcade.
This year they will set off from Stoke City Football Club’s Britannia Stadium at 11am, and will ride in a parade that will take them approximately 14 miles around the Potteries; finishing at the King’s Hall, in Stoke.
After the event has taken place, the eggs and money will be distributed to charities and children in hospitals and homes, and single-parent families in and around the city.
Organiser Anthony Middleton, aged 38, of Penkhull, said the Star Bikers were hoping around 2,000 people will take part.
He said: “We never really know how many people will turn up, as we have bikers coming from all over the country.
“I hope we have some decent weather as poor weather can mean lower numbers.
“We average between 1,500 and 2,000 bikes each year, and a lot of them are carrying two people.
“It’s brilliant that people continue to support us every year, as well as the local bike shops who put up the posters to advertise the event, and donate raffle prizes.”
At the end of the run, at the King’s Hall, there will be refreshments, a free prize draw, a live band, disco, face painting and stalls. Bikers will be able to buy a souvenir metal pin badge, T-shirt or sweatshirt as a memento of the day, with the proceeds going to yet-to-be determined children’s charities.
Mr Middleton added: “People collect the pin badges we produce. We make a different colour each year, and change the design every decade.
“Many people have built up quite a collection by now.
“This year our celebrations at the King’s Hall will also hopefully include bouncy castles outside, to encourage more families to get involved.
“Everyone is welcome to the event at the hall – we would just ask them to bring a donation and an egg for the children we are collecting for.
“Any profit we make is donated to local children’s charities like the Donna Louise Trust, and to special schools in the area.”
The Egg Run is said to be one of the oldest charity motorcycle runs of its kind in the country.
The event also hopes to promote road safety among the biking community and other road users.

Egg-cellent way to raise money and collect gifts for a good cause

March 17, 2009

Kevin Rushton, above, aged 49, manager of Foley Motorcycles, in Fenton, has been taking part on a regular basis since around 1978. He said: “The event has become part and parcel of the motorbike scene in Stoke-on-Trent. It’s for a good cause and it promotes the positive side of motorcycling, and a side that bikers prefer to be associated with. A lot of praise should go to the organisers and without the support of Staffordshire Police and the public who line the street, it wouldn’t be such a success.”
Melanie Mills, left, head of fund-raising at the Donna Louise Trust – which is one of the charities which benefits from the event – said: “I think the support we receive from the Egg Run is wonderful.
“It’s very encouraging for us during these difficult times to see there are a lot of people out there who are rallying behind us, and supporting the work the hospice does.”
Kev Harper, right, aged 44, who lives in Penkhull, is a marshal for the Egg Run. He said: “I’ve been marshalling for about 20 years, and I really enjoy doing it. The event raises lots of money and eggs for local children, and it also raises the profile of motorcycling. The atmosphere each year is fantastic. Everyone gets together and is there for the same reason – to help the kids. The Egg Run is always a good day out.”

800 bikers hit the road for kids in need (PICTURES)

Monday, December 08, 2008

FOR Barry Jones, collecting toys for disadvantaged children brings a big smile to his face for very personal reasons. The 60-year-old, of Bucknall, knows what it feels like to have nothing – and how much a gift from a stranger can turn things around. Barry and wife Jean dressed up as Mr and Mrs Christmas yesterday to take part in the 31st Star Bikers Toy Run.They were joined by 800 bikers for the annual motorcycle ride through the city to raise money for charity.

All donations of toys and cash given by the bikers and picked up along the route will be passed to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for distribution to children’s homes and other organisations. Barry, who was doing his 10th toy run, said: “I understand what it means to the kids. “This event has always pulled at my heart strings, because I used to have nothing. “I had stuff given to me – and it brought a smile to my face. I want to pass on that good feeling. “I don’t think everyone truly appreciates what it means to the kids, but I do.”  Jean, aged 59, was taking part for the first time. She said: “Barry is always asking me to go, and I said yes this time. ”I’m looking forward to helping to collect toys for the kids.” Strong contenders for the best fancy dress outfit were Sue and Wayne Cross, who went as convincing Christmas trees. Assistant site supervisor Sue, aged 37, from Fenton, said: “We’ve always come dressed as Santa, but fancied a change. ”It took me about two weeks to make the costumes, and we’ve had a lot of attention.” New Look worker Wayne, who is also 37, added: “This event is a bit of fun ”It’s nice that so many people turn up to support the kids.” Chris Kilford, a charity worker from Meir, chose a reindeer outfit this year. The 45-year-old said: “I always dress up, usually either as Santa or Rudolph.”I’ve got a wardrobe full of fancy dress outfits at home. ”I take part in the toy run every year. It’s nice to give something to the kids – it’s a very good cause.” Nursery manager Kim Gerrard, from Weston Coyney, was taking part for the first time on her own bike. The 25-year-old said: “I passed my test two weeks ago. ”I used to ride on the back of my dad’s bike, and now I’m doing it on my own. ”I have a lot to do with children, and enjoy taking part in the toy run because ”I know it will bring happiness to the kids.” The toy run ended at the Kings Hall, in Stoke, with a live band, disco, face painting and stalls. Star Bikers treasurer Rob Dolman said: “I expect that after paying for the hire of the hall and other expenses, we’ll have about £1,000 to donate to charity. ”More people than usual lined the streets to donate the toys this year – which is great when you think about how cold it was.” Meanwhile, dozens of people also braved the cold to raise money for the Donna Louise Trust’s Santa’s On The Run event. Fund-raisers pulled on their Santa outfits to join in the two-kilometre run which started from the Wedgwood visitor centre, at the firm’s base in Barlaston.

Bikers rev up for seasonal Toy Run

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

THOUSANDS of bikers are gearing up for an annual motorcycle ride to help disadvantaged children. The Star Bikers Toy Run will be held on Sunday, and motorcycle enthusiasts are urging the public to support the charity event. Organisers hope to see the streets of Stoke-on-Trent lined with people making donations in support of their traditional festive run, now in its 31st year. Bikers taking part are asked to donate £2 and a toy of their choice at the start of the event. All donations of toys and cash given by the bikers and picked up along the route will be passed on to Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s social services department for distribution to children’s homes and other organisations.

Co-organiser Antony Middleton, of motorcycle club Star Bikers, said: “We believe this is the oldest charity event of its kind in the country. ”The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Derek Capey, will lead the parade around a pre-set route of 14 miles with a police escort. ”All spectators are welcome to attend fund-raising events afterwards at the King’s Hall in Stoke. ”We will have refreshments, a free prize draw with donations from local bike shops, and a concert.” Face painting and street entertainers will keep younger spectators occupied, while souvenir pin badges and T-shirts will be on sale. Bikers do not need to register, but just turn up at the start point ready to leave at 11am. In the past more than 5,000 motorcyclists from throughout Staffordshire and neighbouring counties have taken part in the run. The bike run leaves from the north car park at the Britannia Stadium, off the A50.

Snowman to melt hearts

November 03 2008

A LIFE-SIZE snowman carved in ice will go on display as part of Christmas celebrations. Hamilton Ice Sculptors will be in Hanley when the festive lights are switched on by darts ace Phil Taylor. Shoppers can watch the artists at work in Crown Bank from 2pm on Thursday, November 13. Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir and the Rootz Youth Folk Band from the City Music and Performing Arts Service will give performances from 3.30pm. From 4pm, the sculpture will be complete and people can have their picture taken with the snowman. The Star Bikers will also be collecting donations for homeless charity Arch. The countdown to the lights switch-on starts from 5.30pm in Fountain Square. As well as live music, there will be a visit from Santa who will make his way through the city centre from the Victoria Hall accompanied by a samba band.

BIKERS RAISE THOUSANDS IN ANNUAL EGG RUN

10 March 2007

Thousands of bikers roared through the streets of Stoke-on-Trent collecting Easter eggs for needy children.
The Star Bikers’ 30th annual Egg Run saw about 3,000 motorcyclists converge at the Britannia Stadium yesterday.
Many dressed up as chickens or bunnies to ride the 14-mile route through the city.
As they passed by, crowds of supporters handed them chocolate eggs and donations, which will be distributed to needy children in hospitals, homes and single-parent families.
Organisers expect the event to raise about £2,500, with about 3,000 eggs gathered.
Ian Brown, aged 34, of Hatfield Crescent, Blurton, teamed up with 19-year-old girlfriend Kirsty Smith to collect the most eggs possible.
He said: “Kirsty rides on the back and balances the eggs we collect. Last year we had so many we just couldn’t carry any more.
“It’s a great atmosphere and lovely to be able to do something for disadvantaged kids.”
At the end of the route a party is held at the Kings Hall, in Stoke, with refreshments, music and stalls.
Barry Elks, aged 52, of Dyke Street, Northwood, brought his eight-year-old grandson Jordan to take part in the event for the first time.
He said: “Jordan has watched the egg run in previous years and now he’s very keen to get involved – he had already collected four eggs before we even set off.
“It’s a great community that comes here.
“It helps improve our image and the kids love it.”
Young Francesca Potts, of Woodvale Crescent, Endon, is already a veteran of the event at the age of nine.
Her dad, Pete, aged 38, said: “We have done the egg run together every year since Francesca was old enough to sit on a bike.
“It’s great fun, especially for children, and it will help convince everyone that bikers are not hooligans.”
Phil and Sue Parker, of Hartington, near Buxton, got into the spirit of the event by dressing up as a chicken and an egg, though they wouldn’t say which came first.
The couple took part for the second time.
Sue said: “We really enjoyed it last year and this time wanted to dress up to make it more fun for the kids along the route.”
Lynsey Raeper, aged 27, of Meir, brings her two daughters Courtney, aged six, and Jade, aged three, to witness the spectacle every year.
She said: “The girls enjoy it so much it’s unreal.
“They love giving the eggs out to the bikers and get very excited at being allowed to sit on the bikes.”
Husband and wife, Fay and Peter Marsden, of Bladon Close, Chell, have been spectators of the event for the past 15 years.Peter, aged 44, said: “It’s great to see all the different bikes, it’s an amazing spectacle. We always bring Easter eggs and donate to the toy and pet food runs too. It’s just a great day out.”

GET READY TO EGG ON CHARITY BIKERS

RICHARD AULT - 8 February 2008

Thousands of bikers are preparing to roar through the streets of Stoke-on-Trent once more, collecting Easter eggs for needy children as they go.
The Star Bikers will embark on their annual Egg Run on Sunday, March 9, setting out from the Britannia Stadium.
Now in its 30th year, the group claims it is the oldest charity motorcycle event of its kind in the country.
Every biker taking part in the ride brings a donation of £2, plus an Easter Egg.
As the riders parade along a 14-mile route through the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, they will collect more eggs from the crowds lining the streets to support them.
The eggs will then be distributed to needy children in hospitals, homes and single parent families.
Organiser Anthony Middleton, aged 37, of Penkhull, said: “The original run was done 30 years ago, when the club was based at the Star Inn in Marsh Street.
“It used to meet regularly, but over the years people have left, getting married, or joining other clubs.
“Now we are a group of mates who meet to organise the egg and toy runs.
“We normally raise about £2,000 from the run, after we have paid expenses, but the main thing is the eggs, which are given to people who wouldn’t normally receive one. We get bikers taking part from all over the country, as well as from Stoke-on-Trent. We have already heard from people in the Isle of Man who are going to be coming over to join in. It is a really good event.”
At the end of the route, at the Kings Hall, there will be refreshments, a free prize draw, a live band and disco and face painting and stalls.
Bikers will be able to buy a souvenir metal pin badge, T-shirt or sweatshirt as a memento of the day, with the proceeds going to yet-to-be determined children’s charities.
Last year, about 3,000 bikers set off from Britannia Stadium on the egg run, many donning fancy dress for the occasion.
As well as the egg run, the Star Bikers also organise a toy run, where the bikers each bring a toy which is then distributed to charity.
Biker Tony Biggs, aged 64, from Chesterton, regularly takes part in the egg and toy runs.
He said: “It’s always a great atmosphere. People line the streets and give you Easter Eggs, you just pull in and collect them as you pass.
“There’s always a couple of thousand people taking part, and it’s always a really good laugh at the Kings Hall afterwards. The bikers are such a nice lot of people.”
The Coppice Special School at Newcastle, is one of the children’s charities to benefit from the Star Bikers rides in the past.
Headteacher Sandra Baker said: “We were overwhelmed with their generosity. Half-a-dozen of our children got to follow the bikers in a stretch limousine and the children all gave selection boxes. Then the bikers came into school and presented us with a cheque for £1,500, which was wonderful.”

BIKERS EGGED ON TO RAISE CHARITY CASH

 

DHARMISHA PATEL – 20 March 2007

Thousands of bikers are revving up ahead of a giant cavalcade across Stoke-on-Trent to collect Easter eggs for needy children.Big-hearted motorcyclists will take part in the 29th annual Star Bikers Charity Egg Run on Sunday.
Riders and their passengers will gather at Britannia Stadium at 11am, and will be led by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Jean Edwards, along the 14-mile route.
Participants are asked to bring a donation of £1 and an Easter egg, and will collect donations from onlookers who line the route.
The journey ends at the King’s Hall, in Stoke.
There, the eggs will be collected ready for distribution to needy children in hospitals, homes, and those living in single-parent families. Last year, more than 2,000 bikers took part, and Star Bikers treasurer Rob Dolman is hoping for an even better turnout on Sunday.
He said: “It wasn’t as successful last year as we’d hoped because of the weather.
“This year we hope the weather holds out for us.
“We’ve already booked the hall, we’re ordering T-shirts, badges and advertising, and we’ve started looking for marshals to help us on the day.
“Once one run has finished, we start having meetings about the next.
“I enjoy being involved in the egg run. It makes me feel good.
“People should realise that it’s a run for charity, to show these children that we care about them.”
Following the cavalcade, refreshments will be available at the King’s Hall, along with a free prize draw, a live band and disco, and various stalls.
Souvenir metal pin badges, T-shirts and sweatshirts will be available for purchase.
A small proportion of the money raised on the day will go towards unavoidable expenses, such as the hire charge of the hall.
The remainder of the funds will be handed out to charities nominated by the club’s charity committee.
Staffordshire Police, the run organisers and marshals all give their time and effort free of charge.
One of the aims of the event is to promote road safety among the biking community and other road users.

STAR BIKERS RIDE OUT BAD WEATHER

LAURA NAYLOR – 11 December 2006

Thousands of bikers braved dismal weather to take part in the 29th Star Bikers Toy Run – and raise £1,800 for charity.
Stoke-on-Trent’s roads were filled with the noise of more than 1,500 motorcycles, as the cavalcade fought through the biting cold and stinging rain to support disadvantaged children.
Reindeers, Santas, fairies and elves were seen riding bikes and scooters on the 14-mile route yesterday to collect toys from people lining the streets to cheer them on.
All donations will be passed to Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s social services department for distribution to children’s homes and other organisations.
The weather did little to deter the participants who turn up year after year to support the event.Mark McEvoy, a prison officer from Stoke, sat perched on a bike laden with hundreds of toys – many of which had been donated by inmates.The 41-year-old has taken part in the annual event more times than he can remember, and was keen to be involved once again.He said: “I come every year, and each time I add more toys to the bike. They all get donated along with everyone else’s gifts, and I enjoy doing my bit to support the kids. “I love biking, and this event was a bit of fun and a chance to see people I’ve not seen for 12 months.”I’ve got everyone at work involved now – we all want to make sure needy children receive good presents this Christmas.”
Travelling alongside Mark was Don Wemyss, who lives in Weston Coyney. Don, aged 69, was carrying his 10-year-old great-niece, Megan Tyrer, on the back of his bike, and this was the fourth time they had taken part in the toy run.He said: “Megan likes the bike rides, so that’s why we come along every year.”The toy run is all about providing gifts for underprivileged children, and I think it’s a great event.”Megan, who dressed as Santa, added:”It’s exciting being on the back of a bike and I like the fact I’m helping other children.”
Among the various Santas taking part was a cheery Rudolph planning to lead the way. Chris Kilford, a gas fitter who lives in Meir, was a participant for the second time, and was kitted out in a convincing reindeer outfit for the occasion. The 43-year-old was travelling with his brother, Martin, and said: “It’s nice to give something back to the community, and hopefully boost the image of motorcyclists.”Bikers taking part were asked to donate £1 to local charities as well as a toy at the start of the run.
The convoy – headed by Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor Jean Edwards – left the Britannia Stadium at 11am, and took in Weston Coyney, Bentilee, Bucknall, Abbey Hulton, Sneyd Green, Hanley, Shelton, Northwood and Stoke.
Rob Dolman, treasurer of the Star Bikers group, said: “We had fewer people than last year thanks to the weather, but despite the rain and the cold we still managed to raise a fantastic amount of money and collect a lorry-load of toys.”

GOOD EGG BIKERS ROAR THROUGH THE STREETS

HARRI ASTON – 27 March 2006

Hundreds of bikers roared their way through Stoke-on-Trent yesterday to collect Easter eggs for needy children. Generous well-wishers also turned out in force for the 28th annual Stoke-on-Trent Star Bikers’ Egg Run, lining the city’s streets and handing out donations and chocolate eggs to passing bikers.
About 2,000 motorcyclists and scooter riders took part in the 14-mile ride through the city, which began at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium.
The 4,000 chocolate eggs collected will be passed on to social services and distributed to children in need at hospitals, homes and single parent families around Stoke-on-Trent.
Father-of-two Andrew Swift, aged 37, of Trentham Lakes, lined up on Stanley Matthews Way with his children to hand out chocolate eggs.
He said: “People in Stoke-on-Trent always turn out and give their support to local children and I think it is a cracking idea. I have got friends who take part in it and I come and support them as well.
“I think it’s brilliant. The children also like the bikes and it is a chance for them to see the bikes all together.”
Alan Sutton, aged 61, from Hanford, said: “In this day and age we get so much bad news and this is something really good. I just think it is superb.
“The kids benefit a lot and, being an ex-biker, it is great to see the old machines. The bikers also stop and chat to you. I have been very lucky in life, not wealthy but not poor, but these guys are putting themselves out to do all this for the kids. It is great to see.”
Mark Williams, aged 38, from Newcastle, said: “I come to support the bikers. I ride a motorbike myself and it is nice to show solidarity with something like this. A lot of people support it and they come out in all weathers. It is well organised and the children love it.”
The riders – many in fancy dress and on machines of all shapes and sizes – started arriving at the King’s Hall in Stoke just after noon when eggs, toys and cash collected during the tour round the city were handed over to volunteers.
Rob Dolman, one of the organisers, said around 4,000 Easter eggs had been donated.
He said: “It has gone absolutely fabulously. A lot of things were against us, such as the clocks going forward and with it being Mother’s Day, and I want to thank people for coming out to support us.”
His co-organiser Antony Middleton said: “We have had a brilliant response. Now matter what the weather, people seem to come out.
“This is for children who would not normally get an Easter. I think that is why we get such a good turnout on the streets, because it is all done for children.”

BIKERS GET REVVED UP FOR TOY RUN

LAURA NAYLOR 07/12/06

Thousands of bikers are expected to turn out for this year’s traditional festive toy run.The 29th Star Bikers Toy Run will take place on Sunday and is expected to attract motorbike enthusiasts from as far away as Worcester and Liverpool.
Committee secretary Antony Middleton is hoping the funds raised to help disadvantaged children will top last year’s total of £2,800 and hopes to see the city’s streets lined with supporters cheering on the bikers.
He said: “We can probably lay claim to being the oldest charity motorcycle event of its type in the country.
“Bikers from Staffordshire and the surrounding counties have been contacting the committee about the event through the website, and we’re hoping that around 2,500 motorbikes and scooters will be on the roads.
“The toy run helps needy children at Christmas – there are a lot of people who do not get the presents that normal families get, and the toys that are donated are a big help to children’s homes, hospitals or single parent families.
“Last year was very successful but we’re hoping to do even better this year in support of all the disadvantaged children in Staffordshire.”
The cavalcade first started from the Star Inn, on Marsh Street, Hanley, and has grown rapidly over the past 29 years.
Toys were collected at the pub and handed out at Penkhull Homes – a former children’s home – with about 100 people involved.
Bikers taking part are now asked to donate £1 to local charities as well as a toy at the start of the run. And spectators cheering them on also hand out toys as they drive past.
All donations will be passed on to Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s social services department for distribution to children’s homes and other organisations.
The convoy – headed by Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor Jean Edwards – will travel around a 14-mile route taking in Weston Coyney, Bentilee, Bucknall, Abbey Hulton, Sneyd Green, Hanley, Shelton, Northwood and Stoke.
All participating bikers get a raffle ticket and entry to the Kings Hall in Stoke, where there will be a live band, disco, face painting and stalls.
As a memento of the day, souvenir pin badges, T-shirts or sweatshirts can be bought, with all proceeds going towards the charity effort.
The run will begin at 11am when bikers leave the north car park at the Britannia Stadium.
A council spokesman added: “We think it’s a fantastic event that we’re happy to support.
“Its continued popularity and success just shows how good hearted the population of this area is in helping those less fortunate than themselves.”

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