Bikers unite to bring Christmas joy on annual toy run

BY JACKY HAYLER PHOTOS BY PAUL KING AND CHRIS COOK

The annual Reading Toy Run took place again this month and it was another huge hit more than 2,000 bikes and trikes taking part.

Thousands of people lined the route from the former Shire Hall building where all the riders gathered before heading to High Close School in Wokingham.

Many participants dressed up in Christmas costumes as well as decorating their bikes. Some had spent weeks preparing and there were Santas galore, snowmen, the Grinch, fairies and Christmas trees to name but a few.

Many of those taking part come from across Berkshire and beyond and dozens of people were recruited as marshalls without whose help the event could not go ahead.

The bikers rode to the Barnardo’s school in Wokingham where the toys and gifts were gathered. Staff then sort through them before distributing them to other Barnardo’s centres as well as other children’s charities. These included Building for the Future, Kidz, Achieving for Children, Family Fostering Partners, Promise Inclusion, First days and The Cowshed.

The Reading Toy Run was founded by Ben Spiller over 38 years ago for Barnardo’s High Close School. Although Ben passed away in 2021, his friends and family said that they are dedicated to keeping his legacy alive.

Gill McKernan, 66, worked at the school for 35 years as a work experience coordinator and learning support assistant. Now retired, she is regularly called upon for fundraising events and is still heavily involved helping at the Toy Run every year.

She said: “It was a really fantastic day – a great turnout even though the weather wasn’t brilliant. People come loaded with gifts, toys and donations and we also had a fantastic group of volunteers in the hall helping to sort through all the toys.”

She said that they distribute toys to the Barnardo’s centres but that the event has become too big just to limit it to those with other charities now also benefitting.

“It really helps celebrate the start of Christmas for the school and those who take part. And we want to carry on the legacy that Ben Stiller started. His wife Jane worked at Barnado’s and they were our colleagues and friends. She’s carried on and that cannot be easy. We want to celebrate his life here at the school and let her know that he will never be forgotten.”