Riders rev up for Shropshire charity bike ride

Hundreds of motorcycles, many carrying riders decked out in Santa suits, revved out of the Traveller's Joy pub in Horsehay, Telford, for an hour-long charity bike ride yesterday.

Bikers in Christmas costumes came from as far as Stafford and Birmingham to raise money for various good causes, including the recently-formed Jayne Sargent Foundation, a charity for cancer sufferers and their families in Telford.

More than £1,000 was raised on the run, which took the festively-themed bikers around Telford town centre and south to Ironbridge, Madeley and Dawley. Speaking as the cyclists revved up machines of all shapes and sizes, organiser and Bugsplatz motorcycle club secretary Sarah Harrison said it was the club's 14th annual ride-out, and one of the biggest yet. "It's a fantastic turnout," she said.

Martin Worth, a 54-year-old managing director from Randlay, said he "got my Santa suit online for £11".

Also riding was Andy Chetwood, chair of Dawley Hamlets Parish Council. He said he would be riding on a Triumph 675 Street Triple.

About 200 riders in festive fancy dress took to the road for an hour-long bike ride around roads, towns and villages on the south side of Telford.

The ride, organised by Bugsplatz motorcycle club, based at the pub, was the 14th annual run, and was to raise money for multiple charities – Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes, National Association for Bikers with a Disability, Midlands Air Ambulance and, for the first time, the recently formed Jayne Sargent Foundation.

Jayne Sargent, who ran a saddle-making business with husband Colin in Oakengates, died of cancer in October 2013 aged 56, 10 years after being diagnosed.

In the past year Colin, 55, along with six others, set up the charity in her name to help provide support for local people suffering from cancer.

As he watched the 200 riders drive off up the road, Colin was overcome with emotion. "It hits you here," he said, tapping his chest. "Just how generous people are."

Trustee Sarah Bennett added: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed by the support. I can't believe how much effort people have made with their costumes."

One biker turned his helmet into a monster's face. Ian Adams was there from Bugsplatz's rival club, Oddballs, who meet at the Haygate in Wellington.

He said: "I lost my lad from cancer when he was 20, so I'm happy to be supporting this."