FOLLOWING on from the Post’s story published on February 28, regarding a Year 6 St Stephens Community Academy pupil and his mission to collect toys for children with cancer, a date has been confirmed for the next charity ‘Ride Out’ after the original event was postponed.

Dominic Baggett, age 10, together with his father John Baggett and his partner Merryn Turner, cofounded the ‘Bring On The Smiles Annual Ride Out’. The event has been held each year since 2016 and on each occasion more than 200 toys have been donated to the Bring On The Smiles (BOTS) community development project based in Plymouth which helped raise awareness for children with cancer or in remission and their families. BOTS distribute the toys and books collected and donated by Dominic and his team to the children who need them.

BOTS was started by Carla Antonia Riley-Wood to help children affected by cancer and other disabilities. At the age of 12 Carla herself lost her leg due to the cancer. Tragically two years ago she was once again diagnosed, this time with lung cancer, and lost her battle at the beginning of this year. Carla kept fighting until then end, constantly trying to help the children who needed her support. Her ambition and legacy continues with her daughter Buffie Riley-Wood and through the actions of people like Dominic and the Ride Out team.

Dominic’s father, John said: “The ride out was the idea of my ten-year-old son after donation a few teddies to BOTS. He decided that he wanted to organise a motorcycle ride out to collect funds and teddies.

“Last year’s ride was unfortunately cancelled twice. The original plan was to use the George Park and Ride car park in Plymouth as the finish point with stalls and entertainment.

“The weather on the original day was terrible and not suited for motorcycles. We rearranged the date but broken bikes put paid to that.

“This year we want to make it even bigger and better and raise a lot more awareness for this amazing cause.”

The Ride Out will now support two more charities, CHICKS (Country Holidays For Inner City KidS) based in Tavistock and Little Harbour (run by Children’s Hospice South West) based in St Austell. Any money raised will go to BOTS so they can purchase specially made toys for disabled children and any toy or book donations will be split between CHICKS and Little Harbour.

The next ride out will be held on Sunday, September 1, weather and bike repair dependent. The 75 mile route to be undertaken will start at Cardinals Hatt and run via Saltash, Plymouth, Yelverton, Princetown, Tavistock, Launceston, Callington, Liskeard, finishing at the Chequered Flag Café.

For more information visit the Bring On The Smiles Annual Ride Out Facebook page.