BIKERS rode into town as part of their annual fundraiser to cheer up children undergoing treatment at Great Western Hospital.

The members of Swindon-based Pinkertons motorcycle club were out and about at the weekend, managing to raise a total of £691 towards their 30th annual Toy Run.

The group raises cash throughout the year to buy toys and presents for children who will be in hospital over Christmas.

Club secretary Mandy Evans told the Adver: “The hospital gives us a wish list of things that they need and things that they would like.

“We’ve funded some of the bigger items that are in the open air space up there.”

Over the years the group has bought games consoles, televisions, wheeled cabinets, and many more.

Mandy explained: “We buy things that will stay in there all year. But we buy individual gifts as well. So, when we go up there at Christmas, all the children on the day get a gift.”

Mandy said what she loves about this project is seeing the smiling faces of the children when they receive their toys.

“It’s lovely, but it’s very emotional when you go up there. Some children are very poorly and then you find out that they’ve passed away, and it’s just heartbreaking,” she said.

“I have so much admiration for the nurses, I could not do that job because it would break me I think.”

Every Christmas the children watch as the riders, some of them dressed in festive costumes, drive around the outside of the hospital.

She said: “They all stand at the window and then Santa comes in and the nurses have a list of all the children that are in that day.

“Santa will give each child their gift and they get so much pleasure out of it. That’s lovely.

The group has been doing the run for three decades. “It doesn’t feel like our 30th year to be honest,” she said.

“When it first started, there were more bike clubs in Swindon, but we’re now the only ones still left.”

Donor development manager Lisa Utting, said: “We are really grateful to Pinkertons MCC for their support over the years, and this most recent donation will make a huge difference to the children spending time in hospital.

“A huge thank you to everyone involved in the fundraising.”

For further information about the club and to support this year’s Toy Run visit: pinkertons.co.uk