Santa Bikers Visit Derby and Burton Childrens Wards

As you may have seen over the past few years we have been out and about around the festive season with our Santa Bikers, visiting me&dee families in the area the charity covers. Although these ride outs were very successful and certainly made an impact the 2023 Santa Bike run was going to be different.

Worry not, Christmas 2023 saw our me&dee families visiting Santa at various locations with added bonuses of some yummy food and adventures thrown in, all part of our new continuing care programme.

Santa Bike 2023 brought us a new challenge, linked to our new partnership with the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. We wanted to bring the excitement and fantastic visual impact to those who may not be able to enjoy Christmas at home.

Working with Kirsty at Queens Hospital in Burton and Kate at the Royal in Derby a plan was devised to visit the childrens wards at both hospitals. Wow! It took some planning and with the help, yet again, of Kelly and Garry of Santa Bikers it was time to appeal to the biking community, who would like to take part in our first ever me&dee hospital ride out?

Meanwhile at me&dee HQ, it was all go to get all the presents that were donated together and wrapped, for a short while Santa’s grotto was based in South Derbyshire! It’s fair to say that without the generosity of our followers and volunteers we couldn’t do this and it is very much appreciated.

Never knowing how many bikers are going to turn up, it’s always a surprise to see the car park full at The Grove in Stapenhill, people giving up their time and money to support us.

With just over 30 bikers, it was great to see so many dressed in festive gear, bikes decorated with lights and tinsel and Christmas songs being played as the group made ready to set off, first call, Queens Hospital in Burton. Escorted by our marshals we arrived on site, glad to say our chief marshal at Burton, Zach was on hand to show us the way in and before too long we were parked up and handing out the presents to the staff who were ready to deliver them to the wards.

What a great atmosphere, this was a first for me&dee and you never know what or how things may turn out but it’s safe to say that the bikers had made a fantastic impression on both the staff and patients that had gathered to see them. Photo’s taken, presents and selection boxes handed out it was time to move on.

With everyone mounted up, chief marshal, Zach waved everyone off and showed the way out, a circuit of the hospital completed it was off to Derby via Tutbury, Hatton and Hilton, skirting passed Etwall and Mickleover.

The me&dee car led the way with Kelly bringing up the rear in her escort vehicle, arriving and going passed the main entrance of The Royal, the group made their way to the rear of the hospital and eventually arrived at the Childrens Hospital entrance. Once again the bikers were making their selves know with Christmas music playing and lights flashing they all pulled up to see staff and patients waiting to see them.

Mince pies, tea and coffee awaited the bikers, provided by The League of Friends, a warming welcome and a small way to say thank you to everyone who took part. Our Santa’s were in demand with photo’s and requests for permission to sit on the bikes coming in from patients and staff, once again the atmosphere was lovely.