The cold weather couldn’t put a stop to the annual Scooter Selection Box Run for Children’s Services at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.
Every year, Norman Hunter and members of several Scooter Clubs across the area come together to take part in what is now a well-established tradition, collecting hundreds of selection boxes, and toys and books to bring some cheer to young patients at Christmas.
This year’s run was held on Sunday, 3 December, and despite ice and snow, the Scooter Run started at the Yew Tree in Walton le Dale, which opened early to fuel those taking part, before heading towards Bamber Bridge, through Preston city centre, and up Garstang Road towards Royal Preston Hospital.
Numbers were a bit down due to the inclement weather, but everyone managed to get round the route and home safely, whilst delivering a fine haul of goodies.
The hospital staff went out of their way to help everything run smoothly, and Norman said: “We’ve been doing this for many years now, and I’m always blown away with how well it’s supported by scooter clubs and solo riders from all over Lancashire.
“It’s amazing that people also get their workmates involved, and some workplaces give us lots of boxes. Seeing the hundreds of selection boxes and other gifts stacked up at the hospital always looks fantastic.
“It’s great to know we’re doing our bit to put a smile on a poorly child’s face at Christmas time. It’s also good to get the scooters out and have one last ride before the Christmas party season kicks in!
“Huge thanks to everyone involved, including all the scooter riders and everyone that donated something, staff at the Yew Tree, Walton le Dale who host the event every year, and the hospital staff who work hard to make this happen. Merry Christmas one and all, thank you, it’s genuinely appreciated.”
Lancashire Teaching Hospital Charity’s Fundraising Manager, Joanna Allitt, added “We are incredibly grateful to Norman and everyone involved in the scooter run for supporting our hospitals once again this festive season.
“We’ve distributed the selection boxes across the children’s clinic, children’s ward, children’s A&E and children’s outreach clinics across both Chorley and Preston, and the reaction has been amazing from all the staff and patients. Thank you so much for this kindness and generosity!”
