Christmas toy run is a labour of love for bikers

BIKING enthusiasts John and Gail Thomas celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary indulging the hobby that keeps their marriage strong.

The couple were marshals at the Star Bikers annual toy run yesterday which saw thousands of bikers ride 14 miles around Stoke-on-Trent picking up Christmas presents for needy children.

The charity event, which is in its 32nd year, began at the Britannia Stadium and ended at Kings Hall, Stoke, with bikers coming from as far as Warwick and Nottingham to take part.

Motorcyclists dressed in Santa and reindeer costumes made their way through Blurton, Weston Coyney, Bentilee, Abbey Hulton, Stockton Brook and Hanley en route to Stoke.

They carried gifts, ranging from cuddly toys to a 5ft reindeer, in rucksacks or in sidecars.

The gifts will be distributed by homeless charity Arch, which works with homeless lone parent familiesb and Newcastle Borough Council.

The couple, who were directing riders in Drubbery Lane, Blurton, married when they were 17 and have taken part in the event for 27 years.

They have a 28-year-old son, John, and are both members of Perverts In Leather Motorcycle Rally Club.

Gail, aged 47, of Thistleberry Avenue, Newcastle, an assistant at Hanley library, said: "When we first met, John had a bike, but it was only for a learner, so I thought I'd better get my own.

"We've still both got our own bikes. I've got a Honda VFR800 injection and John has got a Suzuki GSX750."

John, aged 46, a bricklayer, said: "We go all over the place biking together and to biking rallies.

"I think it helps our marriage to have a hobby we both enjoy."

Phil Redgate, aged 51, of Newfield Street, Tunstall, took part in the charity event for the 15th time, dressed as Santa.

The Staffordshire University security guard, who rides a Yamaha Virago 750, said: "More and more people take part every year. I do it because it's for a brilliant cause."

Jason Clarke, aged 38, of Pennyfields Road, Newchapel, was also dressed as Santa.

The 38-year-old, who rides a GSF 600 Bandit, said: "This event is great because everyone is really friendly. I've seen a man as old as 70 riding along and people also take their children on the back."

Anthony Middleton, Star Bikers' chairman, who has taken part in the event since 1980, said there were more people in fancy dress than ever before.

The 48-year-old, of Princes Road, Penkhull, said: "I have never seen so many Santas. One bloke even came as a Christmas tree."

Fellow organiser Tracy Harper, aged 45, of Mornington Road, Sneyd Green, said: "This is about making children happy at Christmas time. We also want to promote a better image of motorcyclists.

"Stoke-on-Trent has a big biking community, so there is always a good turnout.

"There's people here from local biking clubs such as Team Rejects, Wanderers, the Greedy Pigs and the Potters Trikes. There's a lot of independent riders as well."

North Staffordshire Carers' Association was presented with a £1,000 cheque after the bike ride, from funds raised in last year's event.

Diane Cox, from the charity, said: "We're so grateful. This will help a lot of young carers to have a well-deserved break."