Sadness as Shrewsbury Toy Run axed

It comes after the organisers of the toy run, which delivers hundreds of presents to sick and disabled Shropshire children, announced it had scrapped this weekend's event.

Andy Evans, of the MCC Rainbringers which runs the event, however declined to comment about the reasons today.

The toy run usually sees between 400 and 600 bikers drop off hundreds of presents each year for children at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, as well as to those at Severndale Specialist School for children with learning difficulties and Bradbury House, a residential care home for children with learning difficulties.

Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, Peter Nutting, urged the MCC Rainbringers to get in touch to try and restore the event next year.

He said: "It is unfortunate, we welcome them in the town. If they come and talk to us we will try and help them next year."

Chris Davies, head of Severndale Specialist School, today spoke of his sadness at the loss of the event.

He said: "We were one of the beneficiaries of the toy run for many years

"We are exceptionally grateful for all the hard work that they put in and we will miss them."

Mr Davies said he was unaware of the reason for the axe, but he blamed the difficult economy.

"It is sad because it was a really nice part of the year, but unfortunately this is a reflection of the current economic climate.

"This event takes a tremendous amount of organisation and it was a huge amount of work for a small group.

"The group have worked for many, many years to run the event and it is disappointing that something of so much value has stopped.

"We wish to express our exceptional gratitude to them."

Last year's toy run was scaled back due to issues with police marshalling.

However, the event still saw around 130 bikers transport presents around the town – raising £1,000 for the RSH, Severndale School and Bradbury House.

By Catherine Ferris