When you think of Harley Davidson riders, caring and generous are probably not the first two words you would use to describe them. But that's exactly what one group of Harley riders in Oxford can be described, due to their wonderful work at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Eight years ago, the Oxford UK chapter of the Harley Owners' Group decided to do something special to help seriously ill children in hospital. The 200-strong group took chocolate and sweets to the children in the cancer ward.
It was originally planned to be a one-off event, but it was such a success that it has turned into an annual pilgrimage to the hospital. The bikers now give the children toys instead of sweets, spending weeks gathering gifts like crayons, colouring books and teddy bears.
The director of the Oxford UK chapter, Cy Grieve Davies, said: "It all started about eight years ago. We approached the hospital and asked if there was anything we could do to help. Initially the ride was timed over Easter and the gifts were of chocolate Easter eggs. But, for obvious reasons, we don't deliver sweets anymore. Instead, we deliver toys kindly donated by our members." He added: "It feels brilliant to be able to help. Knowing the strains some of these kids are under and knowing we are helping make their lives a bit better is wonderful."
In 2009 the bikers with the big hearts named the annual event after Jake Spicer. Jake was fifteen when he tragically lost his battle with a rare type of bone cancer, after battling the disease for six years. He lost his fight in 2009, and the bikers try to bring a little bit of happiness into the lives of other young sufferers in Jake's memory.
Jake was known as the 'OX4 soldier' to his friends and 'Little Harley' to the bikers. He had a passion for motorbikes and was made an honorary member of the Oxford chapter. The group will soon be collecting toys for the next visit in April. If you are a Harley Davidson Chester rider and would like to know more about how you can, contact your nearest dealer.
Author Resource:-
Joanna Small - Automotive Journalist and Enthusiast
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