Chesterfield: Santa bikers donate festive gifts to children's hospital

A motorcycle club has donated hundreds of Christmas presents to children at a Derbyshire hospital.

About 30 bikers, some of whom swapped their leather clothes for Santa or elf costumes, rode in convoy to Chesterfield Royal Hospital on Sunday.

Soul Takers Motorcycle Club, from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, said it was "an honour delivering some joy" to the children's ward.

Hospital staff thanked the club for the "heart-warming" donation.

Santa hats, elf ears and helmets adorned with tinsel were out in force as the group delivered the gifts to the Nightingale Children's Ward.

Club chair Alan Robinson said: "We were all really excited to see the faces of those greeting us on Sunday morning.

"It really was an honour and our pleasure to bring all the young people presents that unfortunately will be spending time in hospital over Christmas. We wish them all a speedy recovery.

"All the club - including our families and friends - contributed to donating and wrapping the gifts.

"It's fantastic to know that we can make a difference."

Mr Robinson added he hoped to make it an annual tradition.

Jenny Reaney, play specialist team leader at the hospital, said: "It's so lovely to see the community coming together for Christmas.

"Some patients being cared for here might not be able to get back home for the holiday season, so it's really heart-warming that they are being thought of."

Tracy Barker, lead nurse for family care, added: "Having fun events like this can really improve patients' time in hospital.

"A massive thanks to Soul Takers MCC for taking the time to do this."

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