Selfless bikers who delivered thousands of chocolate eggs to sick kids on Easter Sunday have had the ultimate ‘kick in the teeth’ after being slapped with fines by a parking firm.
Organisers of the Durham Easter Egg Run and MP Mary Foy have both slammed parking firm Horizon Parking for issuing the bikers with penalty charges.
It comes after some were parked up in the Tesco Extra car park where the run starts, with the agreement of the supermarket, for more than allowed three hours on March 31.
But car park operators Horizon have still sent fines to organisers of the charitable event and about dozen others who face a £70 charge. And after trying to appeal, explaining the situation to the parking operator, at least one of those fined was told: "Whilst we have considered your representations carefully, on this occasion your appeal has been rejected"
After being contacted by this newspaper Tesco, who organisers say have supported the event from the beginning, has said it will ensure all the charges are waived.
Run organiser Graeme Mills told the Echo: “We're just trying to do the best we can for the kids and charities.
“It just leaves a bad taste with all the good work we have done and this year has been the biggest ever with the money raised and eggs donated.
“The people helping put the event on are the ones who’ve been punished for it.
“When they know what we are doing it’s an awful feeling to get a fine.
“I think they (Horizon Parking) will try and make as much business out of it as possible.”
See our gallery of photos from this year's Durham Easter Egg Run HERE
The run first took place in 2013 and has grown to see 867 bikers taking part this year.
Last month more than 2,500 eggs were donated to kids in hospitals, care, and families in need, while more than £3,600 has been raised for four charities.
“It’s grown so much we have to get there early to set up and have food vendors now. That’s how we were there longer than three hours,” Graeme added.
“It’s all agreed with Tesco. They even open the store for us so we can use the toilets. They've been nothing but supportive of us. I've spoken to them and they're going to sort it."
Graeme’s van, used to carry Easter Eggs, arrived at 6.58am to help set up the starting point so the bikers taking part could leave safely. He left the car park at 10.19am, just 21 minutes over the normal three-hour parking limit in place.
He says about a dozen others have contacted him saying they've also received fines. Among them are the Northumbria Blood Bikes and food vendor Hot Stuff Catering.
Meanwhile, Durham MP Mary Foy praised the event as she criticised Horizon Parking for the upset it has caused.
Ms Foy, who has since written to Horizon’s director, said: “My message to Horizon Parking is simple - do the honourable thing, wipe these fines immediately and apologise to the organisers for any distress they have caused.
“The Durham Easter Egg Run is becoming a much-loved annual event in my constituency, with this year seeing the largest turnout yet, as bikers from far and wide escorted donations of Easter eggs to children in hospitals in Durham and Darlington.
“The superb organisers work closely with Tesco in Dragonville to provide a safe starting point for bikers to gather and the marshalls work meticulously to ensure the well-being of bikers and members of the public who line the roads to support them. Tesco has been hugely supportive, allowing catering vans to set up early to serve participants, but also to open the store outside of hours to allow the use of their facilities before the bikers set off to the first hospital.
“For Horizon Parking to issue fines to some of the bikers who apparently overstayed their welcome in the car park, has caused great upset amongst the organisers, bikers and community who turn out to support the event each year.
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“Everyone involved in the Easter Egg Run take part out of the kindness of their hearts. The impressive entourage which escorted the Easter goodies brought such joy to the children in local hospitals - the actions of Horizon Parking are a kick in the teeth to every single person who selflessly gave up their Easter to bring happiness to hospitalised children and raise money for local charities.”
Tesco is now asking any of those involved to contact them to ensure fines can be quashed.
A spokesperson for the supermarket said: “We’re sorry to hear that these fines have been issued. Our colleagues at the store are working to get them revoked as we are always happy to support this local community event.”
Horizon Parking failed to respond to our request for comment before our deadline for publication.
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