It’s a trio that could be the start of a bad joke: an armed forces charity, some motorbike riders and a funeral director … but instead of walking into a bar,m they’ll be riding to Dorset County Hospital with toys this Christmas.
Dan Skinner, a Funeral Service Operative in Shaftesbury, is currently organising the toy run to Dorchester on Saturday 16th December. The idea began during a local gathering of the Royal British Legion Riders – and Dan has already secured £500 in donations from Southern Co-op, which operates his own Co-operative Funeralcare branch.
The contributions will be presented to Kingfisher Ward, the children’s ward which offers 17 inpatient beds across various specialities. This year the ward will be brimming with Christmas gifts for all the young patients to enjoy.
Dan says, ‘I am currently trying to bring together as many people as I can muster. The more involvement we have, the more donations we can gather, and the more the children will benefit.
‘The hospital staff have sent me a list of items they would be very grateful for, so this donation will make a great difference. We have approached other motorcycle groups as well; I hope we’ll have a good attendance.’
The primary mission of the Royal British Legion Riders is to support the poppy appeal, but they are always willing to lend a helping hand in the community when opportunities arise.
‘We also do a lot of funeral escorts’ says Dan. ‘At the request of families, mostly for veterans who have passed away.’
- To find out more about the Dorset branch of the Royal British Legion Riders, visit
facebook.com/RBLRDorset or email dorset@riders-mail.com.
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