Eastbourne motorbike group holds Christmas ride out for children in hospital

For the third year running Eastbourne Motorcycle Ride Out, a group of motorbike enthusiasts from across Sussex, has partnered up with The Widows and Son Masonic Bikers Association to support local children.

On December 13 the group set off from Eastbourne seafront with all the donated toys in support cars following on.

The group started at the DGH and then went across to Hasting Conquest hospital to distribute presents to the children in hospital over the festive period. The toys were placed into quarantine and will be handed out by hospital staff once deemed safe, according to the group.

Just before the bikers set off, founder of the group Nick Burnett met with Susanne Beesley, the chair of East Sussex Foster Care Association, to make a donation of more than £500 to the association.

A representative of the foster care association said the charity is looking to address what appears to be an increased report of anxiety affecting children. The charity is looking to provide resources such as weighted blankets and worry monsters for children in local authority care.

Worry monsters are used to help children who have suffered from neglect or other serious problems. The monsters are very popular and help children manage their emotions and worries according to the charity. Children can write down their worries and then feed it to the monster and zip it up.

Anyone wanting to know more about the ride out can go to www.ebmr.co.uk.