Swapping out their leather jackets for bunny ears, a group of local Liverpool bikers are making the journey to deliver chocolate and cheer to the children of Alder Hey Hospital this Sunday.
Meeting at the McDonald’s on Edge Lane, the riders will take the original route, riding onto Prescot Road, back towards Old Swan, down Green Lane to The Jolly Miller pub, and eventually along Queens Drive to Alder Hey.
Founded by two men who had medical problems of their own, the event originally began 20 years ago as a thank you to the services that helped them, such as the NHS.
Geoff Bell, who took over as organiser of the event four years ago, said: “I took it over to keep it going because the kids at the hospital love it, the staff love it, and it’s something, you know, as parents, I think, well, certainly one of my children has been treated at Alder day. So, we like to give something back to the hospital.”
In order to give back to all, alongside donating Easter eggs and toys, the staff ask the riders to also bring items such as colouring books and pyjamas to accommodate the older children at the hospital.
The event is something that the riders, staff, and patients all look forward to each year.
Daniel Smith from Alder Hey Children’s Charity said: “By delivering eggs and gifts to Alder Hey over Easter, Liverpool Scooter Club spread some magic to those who need it most. Not all children can have chocolate, so we are also grateful for the donations of small gifts so that no child misses out.”
Although accumulating between 150 and 200 riders, the group aims to keep the emphasis on the children, with some riders dressing up in Easter bunny costumes to reinforce the nature of the event.
Mr Bell added: “That’s my motivation. I like to see the children smile. Just for a short while, I like to take their pain away, take their minds off, whatever it is they are afflicted with, whether that’s been medically or socially, kids are the future, aren’t they?”
To donate and see the rideout for yourself, head down to the McDonald’s on Edge Lane this Sunday, the 29th of March, from 11 am.
(Featured image by Geoff Bell)
