A generous group of bikers delivered hundreds of Christmas presents to a children’s centre on Sunday.
Around 70 members of the Black Shuck Motorcycle Club (MCC) set off on their annual Christmas Toy Run from the Golden Hind pub in Nacton Road.
And they were joined by a special guest – brave three-year-old Reuben Harvey-Smith, who had his legs and most of his fingers amputated last year after doctors misdiagnosed a life-threatening infection.
They thought the youngster, of Chelmondiston, had been suffering from tonsillitis, but a second opinion from the burns unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital picked up toxic shock syndrome (sepsis) as a result of a burn – an infection in which poisonous toxins are released into the bloodstream.
Reuben was given the star role of riding on a trike as part of the toy run, which finished at the Tree House Children’s Centre in Clapgate Lane.
Merv Barker, a member of the Black Shuck Motorcycle Club, said: “He came along for a ride and we gave him a present of his own at the end, so he was over the moon.”
He said that “hundreds” of presents were dropped off at the children’s centre.
The presents will be distributed to vulnerable children across the town over Christmas.
Mr Barker added: “I would like to thank everyone who donated a present and helped during the toy run. There was absolutely fantastic support again this year.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here