'We love taking part in the pet food run'

FOR Philip Redgate taking part in the Great Potteries Pet Food Cavalcade isn't just fun, it has become something of a habit.

The 54-year-old Tunstall security worker completed his 18th pet food run yesterday with his son, 14 dogs and one cat – all on one bike.

ANNUAL EVENT: Clockwise from above, the bikers leave Vale Park; Jordanna Collins, aged 20, Sherrie Evans, 16, and Brittany Evans, 13; Jack Russell Vas, who was travelling with owner Adam Caruso, from Baddeley Green. Pictures: Malcolm Hart
TAKING PART: Philip Redgate.

But the animals were of the stuffed variety, decorating his bike and raising a smile among bikers waiting to rev off from Vale Park for the 23rd annual event.

Philip said: "We really enjoy doing this and it has just become part of our annual events.

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"Each year it comes round and we're always thrilled to take part.

"The enjoyment comes from knowing we're helping charities and making a difference.

"It's just a bonus that we get to do this on the bike, which is something we love."

Philip, who had come straight from a night shift to take part in the fund-raiser, added: "The public are always so generous and with the bike decorated this way, we get a lot of reaction from the kids. That's why I do it really."

Wife Joyce, aged 54, said: "I go to all the charity runs with Philip, although I never go on the bike. Instead, I get the bus to the start and meet him there.

"I'm always nervous when they go out but I know he'll be safe and that he loves raising money for charity like this."

Thousands of bikers made their way through parts of North Staffordshire for the 23rd annual pet food run.

Riders collected cash and pet food from families along the route to support the area's animal charities.

Organiser Sid Rodgers, aged 72, of Trentham, who used to run marathons in support of animal charities, said: "Every year, the good people of this area turn out and donate and I'm always grateful.

"It's a damn sight easier than running a marathon and it raises a lot more money."

Nine-year-old Hollie Hallam, of Meir, was on her first run with her parents, who had taken part before.

She said: "I'm not nervous about it being my first time – I'm just excited to start."

Mandy Newbold, aged 47, of Meir, said: "I love to support this event, especially because bikers have a certain image and I think seeing us collecting for animal charities blows that idea out of the water."

Lorraine Hackett, aged 32, of Weston Coyney, who took part with her 54-year-old mother, Elaine Taylor, said: "I love this event. It's fun, the public are lovely and when the weather holds we all enjoy it."

The bikers travelled through Smallthorne, Baddeley Green, Milton, Bucknall, Bentilee, Longton, Stoke, Newcastle and Wolstanton before heading back to Vale Park for a charity auction yesterday afternoon.