Bikers set for 10th and final NICU charity ride

A Gloucestershire motorbiking group, which raises money for the county's neonatal unit, is marking its 10th and final charity ride.

Toffs and Totties fundraises for the Scoo-B-Doo charity, which supports the unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (GRH), and will make its final ride out on Saturday.

Founder Mark Merrett said: "Over 10 years, we're close to raising just over £20,000. It is a massive undertaking, but the children and the families that it helps are just unbelievable."

Imogen Sims, the charity's community fundraiser, said: "They have helped to provide state-of-the-art equipment, specialist services and enhanced care for the more than 600 newborns at our neonatal ward each year."

The charity rides began in 2016, when Merrett's own niece and nephew were being looked after in the GRH's special care baby unit.

When he found out how much money was needed to keep the unit running, Toffs and Totties was born.

Usually, the group ride quietly through the Cotswolds, but as it is the 10th anniversary and their final ride, they have said they will be making lots of noise with an expected 200 riders. This is to go out with a bang and raise as much money as possible.

Merrett said: "We fully intend on going out by making a lot of noise for anybody that lives in the area. We're sorry, but not sorry. It's our last year, so we've got to let people know that we're definitely going to enjoy it."

Sims said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved with the ten years of outstanding support for this event. As they set off for their final ride, we want to say a huge thank you to Michelle and Mark and everyone who has taken part, for the lasting difference they have made to local families."

The ride will start on Southgate Street in Gloucester at 0900 BST on Saturday, then will head towards Dursley and make the first stop at Tetbury's Trouble House.

It will then move on to Stow-on-the-Wold and Upton-on-Severn in Worcestershire.

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