Christmas toy run honours Somerset teen killed in bike crash

Family and friends of a much-loved teenager who lost his life in a motorbike crash are organising a Christmas toy run for a children’s hospice in his memory. Eighteen-year-old Alfie Gray, from Weston-super-Mare, died after a collision with a car while riding his motorbike home from work on September 10.

Former Priory School student Alfie was travelling home from his job as a warehouse assistant in Yatton when the collision happened near Puxton Park in Hewish. Following his death, his devastated friends set up the Bikers for Alfie group. The group has been planning motorbike gatherings, plaques and tributes at venues where they and Alfie used to meet.

The group is also helping his family to organise a Christmas toy run for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), collecting donated gifts for the children supported by the charity. A JustGiving page has been set up to raise funds to buy toys. Worle School in Weston-super-Mare is also acting as a collection point.

People wanting to support the toy run can visit the Just Giving Page Jennifer Gray is fundraising for Children's Hospice South West to make a donation.

Alfie’s mum and dad, Jenny and Kevin, said: “Alfie always wanted to help other people and make sure they were ok. He was a loving, caring young man.

“His friends were so important to him, they were like his second family. It was important that we did something in his memory and leave a lasting legacy to such a special young man.”

Alfie had been mad about motorbikes since a young age and studied mechanics at Weston College. He was also a regular attendee at Weston Bike Night, held each month on the town’s Beach Lawns.

“When he got his first motorbike, he was over the moon,” said Jenny. “He saved up all his own money to buy it and riding it made him feel so free and happy.”

It is hoped the toys will be delivered to CHSW’s Charlton Farm Hospice in mid December – in plenty of time for Santa to get them out for delivery.

“It’s going to be a very difficult first Christmas without Alfie,” said Jenny. "But seeing everyone getting behind this toy run in his memory is heartwarming. Alfie would have loved seeing the smiles on all the childrens’ faces when they receive their gifts on Christmas morning.”

CHSW Area Fundraiser Lucie Perryman said: “We're so incredibly grateful to Jen and Kev for thinking of Children's Hospice South West, in memory of Alfie, at this time of year, making it even more special for our children and families.

“Alfie was very clearly a well-loved, generous young man, and this will help to keep his memory alive in such a fabulous way.”

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