Bill Smith's toy run makes hospice kids' day

Children at Claire House received more than 200 gifts from a convoy of 220 riders on Sunday.

Some had teddies – covered in plastic to protect them from the rain – strapped to their bikes as they left Bill Smith’s showroom in Chester and headed for the hospice on the Wirral.

Bill Smith Motors’ toy run gathers riders from Cheshire, Manchester and North Wales every year to pay a visit to the children’s hospice, and brings money as well as toys – £1000 this year.

Karen Smith, a director at Bill Smith’s, said: “Every penny is vital for the hospice and for people to be giving me cheques for £30 at a time was fantastic.

“When there is a recession everyone struggles including the hospice,” she said.

“It was very moving to see how generous everyone was and it made the children’s day to see all the motorbikes.”

• To make a donation to Claire House go to www.claire-house.org.uk. To take part in next year’s toy run call Kelvin at Bill Smith’s on 01244 323845.