Top rider and pop star wife meet young patients

Doncaster-born biker James Toseland and singer Katie Melua gave out chocolate eggs to patients as they toured the wards yesterday.

Toseland, a patron of the Children’s Hospital Charity, had earlier led a parade of around 2,000 motorcyclists through the city to help raise money to build a new wing at the unit.

“The Children’s Hospital is a very special place and the staff do incredible work, so it’s always an absolute pleasure to support this event each year,” he said.

“The motorcyclists who come along are always so generous and supportive and I am always touched by the strength and courage of the patients and their families at the hospital – it’s a really humbling experience.”

Simon Athey, a fundraiser at the charity, said the couple’s visit had given patients a real boost.

“They spent a couple of hours on the wards and they were really great with the kids,” he said.

The charity motorcycle convoy is expected to have raised between £5,000 and £6,000 towards the Make It Better appeal, which will help to fund the new £40m wing.

“It was a fantastic sight. The noise and the atmosphere was great,” he said.

To donate to the Make It Better appeal, visit www.tchc.org.uk/makeitbetter.