Bikers aim to break the Egg Run record

Mar 15 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

THOUSANDS of bikers from across the country will be converging on Wirral on Sunday for the annual Egg Run.

Starting from New Brighton promenade, an anticipated 5,000 plus motorcyclists – many in fancy dress – will be riding across Wirral to deliver eggs to hospital for poorly children.

Young patients at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are to be the sole recipients of proceeds from what has become Europe’s biggest fundraising motorcycle convoy.

Money raised through the Wirral Egg Run – now in its 28th year – will go to the Jellybean Kids’ Appeal.

“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 would ask if our supporters would kindly consider making a cash donation rather than buying an Easter egg.”

Last year’s Wirral Egg Run attracted around 4,000 motorcyclists but organisers hope a record-breaking 5,000 bikers will join the run this year to top the £15,100 raised in 2007.

This year, the event has been supported by the police and Wirral Council, whose chief executive, Steve Maddox, will be taking part in the ride.

Sponsorship for the expanding event 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.

This year’s event will be particularly poignant, as it takes place without Simon Owen, one of the key organisers of the Wirral Egg Run in 2007 who died in a motorcycle accident in July last year.

“Simon was an affable giant of a man and a joy to ride with,” said friend and chairman of the Wirral Egg Run, Ian Kendrick.

“His enthusiasm, diplomacy, skills and hard work helped make the Wirral Egg Run so successful last year and in the process raised a record amount for kids in hospital.”

The 2008 Wirral Egg Run officially starts at Coastal Drive, New Brighton at 11am on Sunday and follows a route through Hoylake, West Kirby, Caldy and Heswall finishing about two hours later at Clatterbridge Hospital.

Riders are advised to get to New Brighton early and many bikers normally start arriving from 9am onwards.

There is no need to register in advance, participants are reminded that they and their motorcycle must be fully road legal and insured.

liammurphy