More than 40 Santas on superbikes helped care home residents get revved up for Christmas.
Members of Wrexham Riders Motor Cycle Group roared into the Pendine Park care organisation’s site in Summerhill Road, Wrexham, dressed in their bright red Father Christmas suits.
They visited the Penybryn brain Injury and neurological care centre and handed out gifts of personalised mugs and selection boxes.
One the centre’s staff nurses, Jean Davies, and her husband, Alex, are members of the group.
According to Penybryn manager Tracey Cuthill, the visit was a real boost for the residents.
She said: “Here at Penybryn we care for young adults who have suffered brain injuries or have other medical neurological conditions. Many of the young adults who live here enjoyed motor cycles pre-injury so they really enjoy these visits.
“Wrexham Riders have been here a couple of times now and this time came dressed in Santa outfits and delivered gifts to each resident.
“Our residents really enjoy the event and have had a wonderful time. A couple of them became so excited and will remember the day for some time.
“I really couldn’t be more grateful and seeing them leave all together on their machines was really quite emotional.”
She added: “Motor cyclists sometimes get a bad press but I wish everyone could see the joy their brought to our residents today and the empathy and understanding they show.”
Sian Walley, 44, who has been a resident of Pen-y-Bryn for almost four years, was thrilled to meet the bikers again.
Wearing a Wrexham Riders T-shirt and cap, she said: “It’s amazing and I’m really pleased. I have been given a mug which my picture and name on it and a selection box.
“It brought loads of people together and has been a brilliant day. It’s amazing what they do and they are such lovely people.”
Wrexham Riders member Steve Denoven, 52, a shift manager at a canning factory, said: “We don’t have a chairman just an admin team who put things together. We now have 750 members and have managed to get 45 bikers out today despite the appalling weather.
“It’s been a special occasion and we have all loved every minute of the day.
“We set off for Hope House Children’s Hospice at Oswestry first and delivered some toys before coming to Pendine Park. Next we are off to Wrexham Maelor’s children’s ward to hand out more toys.
He added: “We have members from across society, we’ve got police officers, business leaders, solicitors and medical riders who are members. We all have one thing in common – a love of motor cycling.”
Ruth Gallop, 53, joined the club after moving to North Wales from Devon.
The Flintshire County Council call centre worker said: “I really enjoy it. I have a Yamaha 125cc but it doesn’t matter how big or small your bike is your made welcome.
“It’s been a wonderful and very enjoyable day despite the fact it’s distinctly freezing and very wet!”
Fellow member Paul Turnbull, 44, a business manager, added: “It’s priceless seeing the smiles on the faces of residents. And what does it cost us? Just a few hours of our time, that’s all.
“We have been visiting shops and supermarkets for months begging stuff for presents and decided to residents of Penybryn would appreciate something personalised hence the photo mugs.”
He added: “We just love getting together and doing charity runs. It’s been amazing despite the miserable weather. There have been plenty of sunny smiles indoors and that’s all that matters.”
