HUNDREDS of bikers dressed as Santa, The Grinch, pink bunnies, Christmas elves, teddies, Muppets, and superheroes drove in convoy from Thames Valley Science Park, Shinfield on Sunday.
To cheers and waves from the gathered crowds, the Reading Toy Run made its way to High Close School, Wokingham, where riders delivered sack loads of toys and gifts for children.
One spectator said: “I was amazed by the amount of bikes.
“When you see them parked up before the ride you don’t realise just how many there are until you see them all ride past.
“It’s truly touching to see how many people take part, and all bearing gifts to make a child’s Christmas that much better.”
This year 1305 bikes, trikes, quads, and even boats on wheels took part in the convoy.
With 352 pillion riders, the total number of riders and passengers came to 1619.
Organiser Denis Denmead, said: “It was manic.
“Only three months earlier we lost our previous set-off point and had to transfer to the Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP).
“But we had fantastic support from The University of Reading, and from Molly, Sam and Rosie at TVSP – without them the event wouldn’t have happened.
“And the highways department at Wokingham Borough Council were awesome, too – so helpful to us.”
A number of Wokingham dignitaries took part in the Toy Run.
“We were delighted that Wokingham MP Clive Jones rode on a trike driven by Earley Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Smith,” said Denis.
“And Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Rob Comber, and Deputy Town Mayor Louise Timlin also took part in the convoy.
“Bless them all for coming out to take part – they all said they had a fantastic day.
“And a big thank you to the people of Wokingham who lined the streets for us.
“They were all clapping and cheering, and the kids were loving it.
“It was a fabulous day, and they’re still counting the mountain of presents at High Close School.”
Riders and onlookers have been posting photos and videos on the group’s Facebook page, one saying: “Something about the toy run gets me emotional every year.
“I’m not sure if it’s the reason behind it, or the fact that so many people from the local county and probably further come together for this wonderful event.”
Another said: “All choked up and emotional.
“Such a great day and it’s always the start of our Christmas.”
Many have poured praise on the riders, marshalls and organisers for another successful toy run, the group’s 38th.
One contributor asked people to remember The Toy Run’s founder members; John Thorogood, Ben Spiller, David Bye (all three now deceased) and Sean Stillman, who took part in this year’s event.
The group’s Facebook administrator gave a shout out to the many bikers who turn up every year to donate gifts.
“You will all become some child’s Santa on Christmas day,” he said.
Toys delivered to High Close School will be distributed to children in many of Barnardo’s centres around the UK, and to other local projects.
For information, visit the group’s Facebook page.
