Charity bikers are so eggs-ceptional
WHEN Mark Davies witnessed the tragic death of a baby, he vowed to do whatever he could to help children's charities.
The 43-year-old supermarket worker, pictured below, lived near the scene of a house fire that led to the deaths of two young children.
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GOOD EGGS: Above, Julie Thomas, aged 40, from Birches Head. Right, Chris Kilford from Baddeley Green with Oliver Salih, aged 11. Pictures: Shaun Smith
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BUNNY GIRL: Shirley Horn, aged 43, from Tutbury.
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REVVED-UP: Motorcyclists head off on the Star Bikers 32nd Annual Easter Egg Run starting at The Britannia Stadium.
Ever since the tragedy, more than 10 years ago, he has been taking part in the Star Bikers Egg Run, which raises money for disadvantaged children in Stoke-on-Trent. Dressed as an Easter bunny, Mark, from Normacot, was among around 3,000 bikers who set off from Britannia Stadium for the 32nd annual Egg Run.
He said: "Just over 10 years ago I was on my way home from work when I saw the fire.
"A baby died and the baby's brother died later. It made me want to help children's charities as much as possible.
"Me and my wife don't have any children, so I like to do the Egg Run, and I do the Toy Run and the Pet Run too. They are always great events.
"I always dress up, and this year I've got 70 Easter eggs on my bike, which have been donated by Tesco, in Longton, where I work."
Each participant made a donation of £2 and an Easter egg, and collected more eggs from the crowds that lined the streets of the 14-mile route.
The eggs and money will now be distributed to children in hospitals and homes, charities and single parent families.
Another Easter bunny, Chris Kilford, from Baddeley Green, was taking 11-year-old step-son Oliver Salih on his first Egg Run.
Care co-ordinator Chris, aged 46, said: "I've done it for five or six years, but I've brought Oliver for his first one. It's a brilliant event. It's good to give something back and show that bikers aren't all thugs.
"Even though we've been in a recession people still turn out and donate; that's how generous people are."
Stephen Alcock's furry pillion passenger was another example of people's generosity. The environmental health and safety manager, who has been doing the Egg Run for more than 20 years, said: "I work for Wade Ceramics and I ask staff to donate Easter eggs.
"This year 12-year-old Georgia Watkin, who's the niece of a personnel manager, donated a 5ft toy rabbit.
"I think it's fantastic that she donated such a lovely present to children who haven't got such luxuries."
The Egg Run finished at the King's Hall, Stoke, where there was a disco, band, refreshments, face-painting and a prize draw. Last year 2,834 Easter eggs and 71 toys were donated.
Anthony Middleton, chairman of the Star Bikers charity committee, said: "It was a brilliant day. We were really lucky with the weather and had lots of support along the route."
People can also donate eggs to the appeal at Sainsbury's stores in Newcastle, Stoke and Hanley until Sunday.
9 Comments
by Julie, milton
Sunday, March 28 2010, 9:16PM
“thanks for waving to Mickey Mouse - he says "HI kids n mums n dads" xx Fantastic turnout - thanks Stoke !!”
by Martha (biker chick), Sunny Salford
Wednesday, March 24 2010, 2:42PM
“Well well well. Surprise surprise you always have somebody commenting on something good with a negative comment, YES YOU ANON FROM BUCKNALL. I have been attending this event for quite a few years now and I have to put the record straight. With regards your daughter standing there for 15 minutes, common sense would have told me to take the egg out of the bag to make the bikers more aware. Second. Anybody with a brain would not attempt to drive down a motorway dressed up as a 6ft chicken as stated by NIC AND GAZ FROM BOLTON. Thirdly, at no time did I see any biker causing a danger to the public or an obstruction to the emergency services. Maybe in future instead of trying to pick fault with the bikers you should concentrate on getting your egg to the bikers. Finally if anyone thinks that this event is no longer fantastic then maybe you should just stay at home. Keep up the good work all you fellow bikers.”
by anon, bucknall
Wednesday, March 24 2010, 9:48AM
“Nik and Gaz - I'm really glad that you had the opportunity to ride in the bike run, and congrats to you for coming from so far away. We were told (as were many others) that it was easiest to collect eggs in carrier bags as they are easier to hold onto than eggs on their own. As for the fancy dress, several years ago many of the riders - at least half - used to wear some form of fancy dress and my comment related to how that has changed. The factthat you personally didn't see the bikers fail to make way for the ambulance, or the wheelies, or the speeding doesn't mean that they didn't happen, and doesn't make your view more valid than mine. To reiterate - it's a great event which could be even better.”
by Warren, Meir
Tuesday, March 23 2010, 6:50PM
“Mark 'Tish' Davies, proper star turn, work with him, heart of gold. Good on ya' mate, mekeing us proud.”
by Nic n Gaz, Bolton
Tuesday, March 23 2010, 6:48PM
“As riders, both myself and my husband attended the egg run on Sunday with our son. We set off from Bolton at 7.30am to ensure we wouldn't miss the event. Responding to Anon's comments, would he/she really expect me and my husband to ride over 60 miles in full chicken/rabbit outfits? I'm sure the local Police would have something to say about that. As for treating the run as an excuse not to adhere to the speed limits, not a single rider within my sight had anything other than complete regard and respect for road users and pedestrians. As for the ambulance driver, he actually acknowledged with a wave those riders that made way for him. I for one could not find fault and the event was greatly attended and enjoyed by all. Single eggs being held out for collection are much easier to identify when concentrating on the road ahead than a carrier bag simply being held. Having said all that, I'm sure the kids of Stoke more than welcomed our attendance and donations and will relish the eggs collected.”
by anon, bucknall
Tuesday, March 23 2010, 8:56AM
“It's a fantastic event I agree, but over the many years that I've witnessed the bike runs, it's noticeable how few wear fancy dress compared to a few years ago. It's also sad how few of the bikers seem interested in collecting eggs - my children and I stood holding out carrier bags of eggs for over 15 minutes before one stopped to collect them. At least three bikes went past doing 'wheelies' and several seemed to treat the event as an excuse to do motorway speeds on local roads. When an ambulance went past sirens blaring, very few bikes pulled over - the majority stayed spread out over both lanes. It's such a shame that some bikers taint what used to be such a fantastic event for kids to watch.”
by fred, stoke
Monday, March 22 2010, 9:45PM
“WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!! A good run had by all.........can't wait for the santa run.”
by Rustinho, Silverdale
Monday, March 22 2010, 9:27PM
“I wish I could have taken part but circumstances prevented me.
A big congratulations to everyone who took part and did their bit for local kids. :)”
by Ian, Burslem
Monday, March 22 2010, 12:59PM
“Well done to every one who took part and helped,It a fantasic event that makes this city proud!”