Motorcycle group’s Christmas toy run raises £4,000 for NHS charity

The 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group’s much-loved Christmas toy run has raised £4,000 for Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The toy run, which took place on 9^th December 2023, raised £3,000 for Cilgerran Ward, Glangwili and £1,000 for the Wish Fund. The group also collected 15 one-tonne sacks of toys and raised £2,000 for Action for Children.

The Wish Fund supports the paediatric palliative care service to create lasting memories for the children, young people and families they support.

The motorcycle group travelled around various locations across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire collecting donations on the lead up to the run.

On 9^th December, hundreds of motorcyclists travelled though many of the towns in south Pembrokeshire, finishing the run at the conference centre near Withybush Hospital where they delivered the toys and donations to the staff and enjoyed some light refreshments.

Then, on Saturday 16^th December, the group, along with Santa, visited Cilgerran ward, Glangwili to deliver more toys to children in hospital.

Tobi Evans, a member of the 3 Amigos Motorcycle Group said: “All of us have family or know someone whose children have needed care and treatment at Cilgerran Ward. We know the money donated goes towards helping make patients and families on the ward have a better experience.

“It’s so good to see how much joy the toy run brings to all the people who come out to support us. Helping Santa visit and handing out presents to the children in hospital at Christmas creates such a worthwhile feeling.”

Karen Thomas, Head of Therapeutic Play, said: “A big thank you to everyone who supported the toy run. You are all amazing and we can’t thank you enough for everything that you do for us.

“These gifts bought much joy and happiness to the children and families we care for, who can often be faced with uncertainty and challenges.”