Wirral Egg Run shatters record with 7,000 charity bikers

Mar 17 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

THIS year’s Wirral Egg run proved to be the biggest and best yet attracting more than 11,000 people. Upwards of 7,000 bikes completed the 20-mile run to help deliver eggs to poorly children.

Young patients at Wirral’s Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals are to be the sole recipients of proceeds from what has become Europe’s biggest fundraising motorcycle convoy.

Money raised will go to the Jellybean Kids’ Appeal to pay for specialist equipment.

« previous pic next pic »

“We are very proud that we will be the only beneficiary of this year’s event. The money raised will pay for equipment for children with special needs,” said Debbie Green, appeals manager.

“This year we are keen to raise as much money as possible and asked if our supporters would kindly consider making a cash donation rather than buying an Easter egg.”

Last year’s Egg Run attracted 4,000 motorcyclists and raised £15,100 and organisers believe yesterday’s run will have smashed that record.

Run organiser Ian Kendrick said the event, which attracts people from across the country was in memory of his friend and inspiration, Simon Owen who had organised the event in previous years.

He said: “This race is in memory of Simon Owen, a Bebington lad, the original run organiser, who was my soul mate in many ways.

“He died tragically in an accident in July last year and when he died his funeral was attended by many people and bikers and I gave the eulogy.

“The respect for him was enormous and the police laid a wreath. When they did that I realised there was a remarkable amount of respect for what he did.

“So, we’re just building on his legacy rather than letting it slip away. We hope it will get bigger again next year.”

From its humble beginnings with just 50 bikers in 1981, this year’s run was the first year the event was run in full co-operation with Wirral Council and Merseyside Police.

Mick Melia, of Crosby, Dave Burns of Anfield, Mark Ianson of Kirkby and Robbie Stirrup of Anfield all travelled together on Robbie’s remarkable yellow Boom Trike.

The three-wheeler, as wide as a car and full of gleaming chrome, was possibly the stand-out bike of day.

Mr Burns said: “It’s the first time we’ve been and we couldn’t believe how long the line was this morning.

“We just wanted to be part of it and have filled a trailer with eggs for the kids. Because as they say ‘Every little helps’.

The run involved several road closures as it started at New Brighton following a route through Hoylake, West Kirby, Caldy and Heswall finishing about an hour later at Clatterbridge Hospital.

Sponsorship has also been forthcoming from major companies including Jaguar and Sony, and its organisers are hoping to expand it further next year with an event back at New Brighton after the run has taken place.

* FOR an exclusive video report of yesterday’s event and a picture gallery, log on to www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk.

laurasharpe@dailypost.co.uk