Scooter enthusiasts are joining forces and revving into action to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The procession is being organised by the Norwich Scooter Collective and taking place on Sunday, 13th April.
The convoy gets underway at Broadland District Council’s offices in Thorpe St Andrew and will head to The Nook – EACH’s hospice in Framingham Earl.
It is a long-standing event – this will be the 17th – and set to feature between 200 and 300 vehicles.
Scooter owners make a donation to take part, and there are collection buckets for spectators to make a contribution.
“It’s such a special and worthwhile cause and a real pleasure to raise funds,” said organiser Jez Kidd, who started the scooter runs with John Frary and late friend Vinny Cocker, in 2008. John still helps now.
“EACH is an amazing charity, and it’s incredible how many people I know or meet that have benefitted from its care.
“That includes an old school pal, my wife’s best friend and a cousin, and they all say the support was unreal.
“It’s a phenomenal cause, and the fact it has to raise so much off its own back, with so little statuary funding, isn’t right or fair.
“On a personal note, I’ve been involved for 14 years, and, in that time, we’ve raised in the region of £80,000.
“It’s something I’m extremely proud of, although you always wish you could do more.
“People love being involved, and it’s great when we get a positive reaction from the public.
“It must be a quite a sight when we’re all in convoy, and if people know our rough timetable, they’ll line the streets and give us a wave and cheer.
“It’s a great thing to do, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Anyone with a scooter or motorbike is welcome to join in by coming along to the starting point, at the council offices, on the Broadland Business Park, in Peachman Way, Thorpe St Andrews, at 9am.
There will be a burger van for coffees and bacon rolls, and part of the proceeds will go directly to EACH.
Riders will then depart at 11.30am, riding in convoy down Yarmouth Road, Thorpe Road, Carrow Road, Bracondale, the Inner Ring Road then onto the A146, turning right towards Poringland, Pigot Lane and The Nook.
“It’s something everyone looks forward to, and, for many of us, it’s become the traditional start to the new scooter rally season, which begins the following weekend, up in Scarborough,” added Jez, who has done lots of fundraising for EACH, including cycling from London to Paris.
“There’s always a good turnout, and the money comes from donations on the day. We also sell patches and stickers for people to display on their scooters.
“The outlay is covered by sponsorship, and we also have trophies and medals, to encourage as many as possible to get involved.
“The most we’ve ever had is around 400, but this year’s crowd is likely to be anything between 200 and 300.
“It depends on the weather and other commitments, and it’s mainly local scooter enthusiasts, from across Norfolk.
“We have all types of makes and models on display, and most are their owner’s pride and joy.”
In previous years, the group visited Quidenham – EACH’s former Norfolk hospice, before The Nook opened in 2019 – and the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
