The David Cooper Memorial Run aims to provide days out to remember for handicapped children and one of the ways they accomplish this is by using motorcycle side cars as fun transportation for these children to take them to exciting places around the Midlands.
As you may know Bob not only has his Honda Blackbird but he also has his Yamaha FJ1200 and Sidecar (aka `The Flying Pig’) and he volunteered to help the DCMR and we also volunteered to help by acting as marshals for the journey.
The run started at Over Whitacre, with 3 police bikes at the front and about 15 bikes acting as marshals and then the convoy of Trikes and sidecars with their excited passengers.
As the convoy headed towards The Battlefield Line at Shackerstone it was the marshal’s job to stop at road junctions and block them to prevent the convoy getting mixed up, thus allowing the group to travel in safety.
Once we all arrived at Shackerstone the children went off for a special ride on a steam driven Thomas The Tank Engine.
Afterwards we all formed up for our second run to Broomley Animal Farm following the same format with the solo riders stopping at junctions along the route, handing out leaflets to the motorists who had stopped explaining what was going on.
When we arrived at Broomley Animal Farm the riders and children were treated to lunch and everyone had a couple of hours to wander around looking at the animals and to play on the park, the very lucky ones even got a chance to ride in the cage that was pulled by a tractor.
When it was later it was time to ride the sort distance back to Over Whitacre and a special tea was laid on for the children along with a host of other treats!
It was very pleasing to see the smiles and to hear the laughter from not only the children involved but also from their parents and carers. It was a day these children would remember for a long time to come.
Just a quick note to add, the DCMR is very worth while charity and all the hard work put in by Elsie and the other fund raising members should be applauded, you will find Elsie at most motorcycle events with a stall selling miscellaneous items to help raise funds, please if you see her (or anyone else from the DCMR) please say hello and put you hand in your pocket to help these amazing children.