Appeal for eggs-cellent bikers to back Easter appeal

The Rawmarsh and District Motorcycle Club has been delivering chocolate eggs to Rotherham Hospital’s children’s ward on Easter Sunday since 1960.

Last year’s parade saw a huge turnout after club president Keith Hopkins appealed for more riders through the Advertiser — and he hopes to better it this year.

Keith (74, pictured with his wife Judith), of Rawmarsh, said: “Last year, we had about 60 riders and we hope to better it this year.

“The hospital has asked us not to bring as many eggs as we rather swamped them last year.

“They are hoping we can collect a bit more cash which can go towards funding to supply a children’s entertainer once a week on the ward.”

Around £400 was donated to the ward after a bucket collection at the start of the Easter egg run last year.

“We want to improve that and maybe donate around £500,” said Keith.

“We just want the community to respond to their own, that’s what it is all about, us riding through town and getting people focused on the fact we’re going to ‘their’ children’s ward.”

If you can join the parade or want to donate any treats or cash, members of the club will be meeting at The Queen’s pub in Kilnhurst Road, Rawmarsh, at 10am, on April 21.

The bikers will leave at 10.30am and head to Rotherham Hospital via Parkgate.

“We just ride down as a group and the Easter eggs get taken in a car,” said Keith.

“We then go in and deliver the eggs and the children get the chance to come outside and sit on the bikes, which they really enjoy.”

If you can’t make the event, Keith advised donating money direct to the ward. For more information, call 01709 523454.