THOUSANDS of Santas and Minions took to the streets of Reading and Wokingham on their motorbikes for the 36th running of a popular community event.
Reading Christian Motorcyclists’ Toy Run saw gifts delivered to High Close School to be delivered to children who might not otherwise receive presents this Christmas on Sunday morning.
New and experienced participants were blessed with ideal conditions as the course stayed dry throughout the event.
Revd Sean Stillman, one of the event’s organisers, said: “It went really well, we had a great turnout with around 1,600 participants altogether coming from far distances.
“As always, we are hugely grateful to those who took part as riders and for the community’s support and volunteers. We have a team of 20 people called the road crew who take care of logistics, signage and liaising with the council and police, as well as 100 volunteer marshalls.
“For a volunteer effort, it’s not bad. Most of those working relationships have come out of doing the Toy Run, so it really is a communal venture from start to finish.”
Mr Stillman also praised younger riders who were attending for the first-time, saying that they keep the event ‘fresh’ and ensure that it keeps coming back.
The event has run since 1985, when members of the founding committee decided to combine their faith and love of motorbikes to help those in need celebrate the festive period.
Starting at the Foster Wheeler building, Shinfield Park, the route finished at High Close School. Residents watched on and offered their support as the bikes came through.
Members of the public have also played their part over the past few weeks by donating gifts to various drop-off sites across town. A recommended list of suitable presents was made available on the group’s website.
Those who wish to donate can still do so via the event’s JustGiving site. At the time of writing, the group had raised £1,465 of their £1,500 target.
For more information or to donate, search Reading Toy Run on www.justgiving.com
