Bikers deliver Easter to hospice

The fourth annual Chestnut Tree House Easter Egg Run was the biggest to date despite wet and windy conditions last Sunday.

In total, 392 Easter eggs and more than 200 toys and teddies, were dropped at the hospice, in Dover Lane, near Arundel. In addition, £418.11 was raised for the charity, which included £80 from Vikings MC Sussex and £80 through justgiving, with the remainder coming during the reception at The Farmers Pub in Lancing after the delivery.

Event organiser Andy Parmenter, known as Hobbit, said the event had doubled in size from last year and described it as a brilliant day.

“The support from everyone, even on a bad day, was brilliant,” he said. “It was very surprising, especially due to the weather. The event definitely seems to have taken root. Most children were too seriously ill to come out but one came out who loved motorcycles. She sat on a couple of the bikes and she was happy and thoroughly enjoyed it.

“Everyone got along excellently, worked together had a good laugh. We had a lot of new faces and learner riders, which I personally like because it brings new faces into the scene.”

Businesses including Gala Bingo, Tesco and Asda got behind the event by donating Easter eggs.

Bikers from motorcycle clubs across West Sussex – including Vikings MC Sussex, Nordic Brotherhood Sussex, Scallywags MCC, Odins Riders MCC Surrey, Middilgard RC, Merry Axemen, Sussex Wings, SERV – rode a 25-mile route from Shoreham Airport to the hospice and back to The Farmers in Lancing. They were also joined by independent riders and learners.

A spokesman from Chestnut Tree House said: “It was amazing to see the bikers come roaring up hospice drive. They brought with them over 390 Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies, plus tons of toys, teddies and arts and crafts items for the children. We are so grateful to all the bikers for their support and generosity and we are definitely going to have a fantastic Easter at Chestnut Tree House.”