Oldham: Dozens of bikers descend on hospice for last wish

A 60-year-old man who has a passion for all things motorbikes is being cared for at Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

It was hoped the man would be fit enough to visit a bike show this year, however, after receiving care from the hospice at home, he was admitted to Dr Kershaw's and is now receiving end-of-life care.

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The charity sought to fulfil their patient's wish with a special surprise and contacted Jody Bevan of Auto Lass Workshops in Springhead, who is a keen technician and MOT tester with a huge passion for classic cars.

Footage shows as many as 50 bikers had all come to greet the man and show their motorbikes (Image: Auto Lass / X / Facebook)

Jody has hit headlines several times over the years for her educational and fun YouTube videos and for her passion for both charity and mega restoration projects, which included restoring a vintage sports car to raise money for the veteran's charity, Help for Heroes.

When she learnt about the man's wish, she sprung into action and quickly mobilised a group of bikers with a vision to call by the hospice on Turf Lane for a special visit.

Then, on Saturday (October 12), 50 bikers turned up and greeted the man who was supported outside by nurses in his hospital bed to the sound of revving bikes.

The occasion could have seen even more than 50 bikers attend as Jody said many more wanted to show their support and generosity, but health and safety regulations only permitted a maximum capacity of 50 in the allocated area.

In a video update on Auto Lass Workshops, Jody said: "I knew it would fill up fast because the biking community, you're just all awesome, with the biggest hearts.

"The level of support has been fantastic.

"It's heartwarming. 

"The response - thank you so much - it really does mean a lot to me and to Dr Kershaw's and obviously the gentleman is going to be over the moon. It means a lot."

Jody said the biker community is 'awesome' (Image: Auto Lass / X / Facebook)

After the incredible day, Jody said in an updated emotional video:  "I'm pretty speechless, which is not like me at all.

"The turnout was fantastic.

"It has been a massively emotional day.

"But one thing that has really struck a chord was the man's nurses were telling me that he hasn't really moved for a couple of days and if you were there today, you witnessed him like this", she said as she shook her arms and fists in the air, "raising his arms.

"The nurses were astonished by that and that means we did our job and we made that gentleman's day.

"I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

"Today meant so much, to a lot of people, and you did this gentleman and his family so proud and me and Dr Kershaw's.

"We are all so grateful for your support and solidarity.

"We did good."

To the man's family, she added: "We're all thinking of you."

Jody with her team members (Image: Auto Lass / X / Facebook)

The touching news comes as Auto Lass Workshops has been shortlisted for an Autocentre of the Year Award 2024.

The team at Woodend MOT Centre Ltd & MNJ Autocare Ltd will find out if they take home the trophy on Thursday, October 17, this week.

Dr Kershaw's Hospice also said a "huge thank you" to Jody and the Autocare car team at Woodend Mill.

The charity said: "We're currently caring for an avid biker who has toured Europe with friends. One of our nursing team suggested that as he is now unable to go out on his bike, perhaps we could arrange to bring some bikes to him.

"Through Jody's amazing connections and social media, she was quickly able to arrange for 50 amazing and supportive bikers to visit the Hospice, and be there to greet them with Glenn on Saturday.

"Jody and her team are regular supporters of the Dr Kershaw's.

"Sometimes thank you just doesn't seem enough, but thank you!"

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk