BIG-HEARTED bikers braved the cold to take part in a mass ride out to help a Black Country voluntary group working to help the homeless.

More than 60 bikers took part in the West Midlands Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Charity Run yesterday (Sunday January 14) in aid of Stourbridge-based Leslie’s Care Packages for the Homeless which helps people across the borough.

Loaded up with hundreds of bags of vital supplies, riders set out from Streetbike in Halesowen on the 20-mile run to the Food Stop Café, near Bridgnorth, where they were greeted by Leslie’s Care Packages founder Vi Wood.

The voluntary group was set up by Vi in 2016 in tribute to her late husband Leslie, after she and her own family fell on tough times.

Since then, the kind-hearted widow has dedicated all of her free time to helping people in need across the borough.

She said: “It was absolutely wonderful to see support from so many riders. Their amazing donations will help make such a difference to people’s lives. I’m overwhelmed and can’t thank them enough.”

Leslie’s Care Packages not only helps the homeless but those who face difficult times - providing much-needed provisions and practical hands-on support.

And the group is now on a mission to set up a drop-in centre in the borough.

Vi added: “Homelessness isn’t a choice, it can happen to any one of us at any time for a host of reasons and circumstances, in hard times and in sometimes devastating situations.

“Support has been simply fantastic so far, and now we want to take our cause to the next level. We’re on a mission to find a suitable venue for a dedicated drop-in centre locally, somewhere people can go to get food, shelter and warmth in winter.

”We’re here to let everyone know there is always hope with Leslie’s Care Packages.”

Colin Brown, regional rep for the West Midlands Motorcycle Action Group, said: “It is rewarding being able to help in some small way with the work that Vi and her team do for the community.

"Her dedication is humbling. I am also indebted to both Bridgnorth Bikers and Redditch Charity Riders who helped to make this such a successful event.”

Meanwhile - Vi is planning a sleep out event in Mary Stevens Park, Norton, from 6pm on Valentine's Day (February 14) to raise awareness of rough sleepers in the community. There'll be hot food and drinks at the event plus entertainment and a tombola.

For more information about the event or Leslie's Care Packages for the Homeless or to make a donation email lesliescarepackages@yahoo.com or visit www.lesliescarepackages.org