Special convoy helps bring joy to children in hospital this Christmas


Special convoy helps bring joy to children in hospital this Christmas

More than 50 motorcyclists set off from The Heights Hotel on Portland on Saturday afternoon to drop off presents to the children at the Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital.

Seb joined the convoy (Image: Andy Jones)

The fundraising event - called Operation Jingle All The Way - raised close to £2,000 pounds for children that use the ward.

Not only did they drop off presents, but the money raised helped to buy specialist equipment for two very special boys.

Hannah and Jonathan Dominy with their son Logan who was getting a new all-terrain wheelchair thanks to the fundraiser (Image: Andy Jones)

Seven-year-old Logan was diagnosed with hypermobility just after his first birthday which means his legs bow and his ankles dislocate.

The money raised has helped fund a new all-terrain wheelchair to help him get out and about.

His dad, Jonathan Dominy, who is a chef at the Heights Hotel, was blown away by the support given to his son.

Decorated motorbikes parked up at The Height Hotel on Portland (Image: Andy Jones)

He said: It's absolutely brilliant, our little one spends a lot of time in the Kingfisher Ward.

"Getting a new wheelchair is extremely important, without it he can't go out.

"We have one on loan after his old one broke but we go on lots of trips as he loves to go out and enjoy the fresh air - he just loves being outside."

Victoria Latham, mother to three-year-old Alex who was receiving a new sensory thanks to the fundraiser (Image: Andy Jones)

The fundraiser was also helping to fund a new sensory wall for three-year-old Alex, who was born prematurely in November 2022 and diagnosed with Med13L, a rare genetic disorder in 2024.

His mum Victoria, who joined the ride on her own motorbike, was overwhelmed with emotion on the day.

Julian Poole joined the convoy (Image: Andy Jones)

She said: "It's incredibly touching that so many people have donated to Alex and all the children at the Kingfisher Ward - I am having to hold back the emotions.

"For Alex I asked for sensory equipment, as sensory toys bring him so much joy.

Dan Steadman joined the convoy (Image: Andy Jones)

"Being non verbal and non mobile, he's obviously not able to move around and choose toys to play with, so to give him something that is expensive like this will bring him joy, calmness and peace.

"He is a cheeky, happy and loving boy and is never any trouble and brings joy to all the people that meet him. Everyone just falls in love with him."

So far £1,745 has been raised but a raffle held on the day of the event should bring the total to more than £2,000.

Operation Jingle All The Way organiser Steve Forder (Image: Andy Jones)

Steve Forder, who set up the charity fundraiser last year was delighted with the turn out.

He said: "I'm very pleased, we had 23 riders booked in last year and around 50 turned up on the day.

"This year we had 50 booked in and even more have turned up today. It's really good, the bike fraternity does step up and they're really generous."

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