Toffs and Totties motorbike ride visits Stow, Pershore and Upton

Dozens of bikers took to the streets as part of the Toffs and Totties Charity Bike Ride, passing through the likes of Stow, Evesham, Pershore and Upton.

The ride was organised by husband-and-wife team, Mark and Michelle Merrett, as a way of thanking Gloucestershire Royal Hospital’s neonatal care unit for saving their niece Evelyn’s life after she was born five weeks premature.

“What a day, what an atmosphere, smiles everywhere, people telling stories and sharing jokes, bikes gleaming, and people dressed in tuxedos and dresses,” said Mrs Merrett.

“I know I cried on the route several times, because I personally can't believe that everyone would rock up and support a crazy idea like this.  

“A very special thank you to our team, we mean it from the bottom of hearts. Without this team this ride wouldn't happen.

“They all done their jobs with a smile on their face, and the occasional pant filling adrenaline moment.”

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Bikers stop in Stow for lunch (Image: Toffs & Totties)

Toffs and Totties was founded in 2016, and has so far raised £15,000 for Scoo-B-Doo, a registered charity which supports neonatal care at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

This year’s ride, on Saturday (July 1), saw bikers take on a 120-mile route, starting in Gloucester.

Riders stopped for tea in Tetbury before lunch at Stow.

The convoy then headed along Fish Hill towards Evesham and Pershore before arriving at the Plough Inn in Upton for a celebratory BBQ with live music.

The ride ended at the Plough Inn in Upton, where bikers were treated to a BBQ and live music (Image: Toffs & Totties)

So far, this year’s ride has raised more than £1,800 for Scoo-B-Doo.

Mrs Merrett added: “Evelyn is doing great now.

“Her younger brother was also in the unit as he was five weeks premature as well.

“Through fundraising efforts to buy equipment such as ventilators, incubators and monitors, Scoo-B-Doo helps to save babies who are struggling.

“The charity is run entirely by a volunteer team of doctors, ward staff and members of the public.

“100 per cent of every donation goes towards supporting the ward, it's tiny patients and their families.

“The NHS does it’s part too, providing a building and paying for all of the dedicated medical staff as well as the life-saving drugs used on the ward.

“But with the NHS under constant financial pressure, the money Scoo-B-Doo raises is vital in supporting the survival of these vulnerable patients.”

Toffs & Totties was set up in 2016 to raise money for Scoo-B-Doo (Image: Toffs & Totties)