DISADVANTAGED children were given a boost after hundreds of motorcyclists rode across Portsmouth and handed out Christmas presents to them.
Clubs from across Hampshire got on their bikes to do something special for pupils at The Mary Rose School, which looks after youngsters with learning problems.
A total of 275 bikers from Eagle Riders, Motorcycle Action Group, Virago Club and Royal British Legion Riders and other clubs travelled from Wickham Square, Wickham, on Saturday to the school with wrapped gifts.
They were met by the children and their families and staff treated everyone to mince pies, biscuits and tea and coffee.
A total of £500 was also donated by the riders during the day to the school and the money will be used to buy bicycles and other new equipment.
Marie Fennemore, 57, treasurer for Eagle Riders, which meets on the second Wednesday of every month at Good Companion, in Eastern Road, Portsmouth, said: ‘This is an event that has been going on for the last 12 or so years now.
‘It’s nice seeing riders from across the area coming together and doing something nice for those who are less fortunate.
‘It’s something we do because that’s how we work.
‘We also all believe that The Mary Rose School is a lovely school.
‘It’s lovely to see the look on the children’s faces when we give them their presents.
‘It can be quite an emotional day because some of the youngsters are in wheelchairs.
‘It makes you appreciate life and how you shouldn’t take things for granted.
‘We wrap all the presents up and specify whether they are for a boy or girl.
‘We just want to do something that will help them and give them a boost.’
Eagle Riders was set up by Marie’s husband Michael, 68, who passed away three years ago.
The club has held numerous events for worthy causes and in recent times gave £500 to a family so their son could have an operation.
It also lets students use their bikes for prom rides and ask for donations which are collected and given to local worthwhile causes.
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