Motorbike pals raise more than £13,000 in 874 mile challenge

Keen motorcycle pals have raised a massive £13,000 in aid of Scunthorpe General Hospital’s maternity bereavement suite appeal.

Pals Pete Jackson (38), Allwyn Dalton (35), Nick Hill (27), John Haynes (37) and Giles Cooper (47), all of Winterton, rode from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 19 hours in aid of the appeal launched by The Health Tree Foundation.

They decided to head out on the open roads after Pete and his wife Bev’s daughter Alicia was born stillborn earlier this year.

Team organiser Allwyn said: “I never thought that my family would be affected by stillbirth and after seeing my sister Bev and brother-in-law Pete lose Alicia, I wanted to help keep her memory alive.

“We always knew the ride was going to be a tough challenge, but to have your brother-in-law and friends there with you kept us all motivated.

“The ride did not go as planned as my bike broke down but I was determined to get to the end so rode pillion with Giles, which wasn’t comfortable at all but we stuck it out for Alicia.”

As well as the ride, Allwyn organised an online auction and he held a fundraising evening at Winterton Rangers.

Alicia’s parents Pete and Bev Jackson said: “We are so proud of everyone who took part in the challenge and everyone who helped make it a success. Everyone’s support has helped us through our darkest days.”

If you would like more information about the HTF or their appeal please contact community champion Hayley Thompson on 03033 305672 or email: hayley.thompson3@nhs.net