Gosport motorcycle display team raises money for Portsmouth charity

The Tigers, based in Gosport, handed over a cheque of £500 to the Elizabeth Foundation which supports deaf children.

Established more than 33 years ago and run solely by parents who are elected as part of a committee, The Tigers Motorcycle Display Team teaches young children aged between five and 16 to ride motorbikes.

As part of the group, the youngsters are taught how to perform tricks, jumps and stunts in safe conditions at shows across the UK. Practicing every Sunday between October and May, The Tigers are split into two groups – the juniors and the seniors.

Each year the team chooses a different charity that they want to fundraise for and give money to.

Chairman of The Tigers, Leon Ryder, said: ‘The charity is chosen by the children and one of the parents will sit down with the kids who will then vote.

‘To raise the money for the different charities every year, the children collect money from our 12 performance shows.

‘We never have a set target but we were really happy to have reached £500.’

Performing in various cities, The Tigers have performed at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Family Festival and every year they wow the crowd at HMS Sultan’s Summer Show with their skills.

Jane Meecham, from the Elizabeth Foundation, which is based in Cosham, said it was brilliant of the children to pick them as their charity of the year.

The donation and fundraising coordinator said: ‘It’s fantastic when children help other children, especially when they’re so motivated.

‘As a local-based charity it’s really important to have the support of the community.’

The charity helps pre-school children with hearing loss learn how to talk and the development of their listening. They have been going for more than 30 years.

The Tigers next appearance is in June when they will be performing at the Folkestone and Ashford Military show. The group will perform twice each day for two days.